Guyana Times International 04 January 2019

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Decision stands!

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019

ISSUE NO. 429

Speaker refuses APNU/AFC’s request to review no-confidence vote See stories inside

NY governor grants Caribbean nationals clemency Page 5

APNU rep.

Barbara Pilgrim replaces AFC’s Charrandas Persaud in National Assembly Page 5

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 3

Decision stands!

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Speaker refuses APNU/AFC’s request to review no-confidence vote

peaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland has refused the Coalition Government’s request to have the ruling on the passage of the Noconfidence motion reversed, saying that the Courts should settle the matter.

On Thursday, the Speaker acknowledged that he does have the authority to revisit and reverse rulings, but at the same time noted that he must at all times act in conformity with the Constitution.

As such, Scotland informed the Government MPs that their questions must first be settled outside of Parliament,

In spite of being defeated in a confidence vote on December 21, the APNU/ AFC Government is desperately trying to hold onto the reins of power.

meaning that the Courts should be asked to interpret the laws.

He noted that if there is a court ruling that puts to rest any doubts, such a ruling would guide his future actions.

Moments after the Speaker’s ruling, a letter was dispatched to the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) inviting them to a meeting with the Government.

This meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2018, at the Ministry of the Presidency at 11:00h.

The President’s expression of eagerness to meet with the Opposition continued on page 10

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EDITORIAL

Political uncertainties T The ‘conscience Lethem is a town in Guyana, located in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region. It is named after Sir Gordon James Lethem, who was the Governor of British Guiana from 1941 to 12 April 1947. The city is populated by 1,158 (2005 figures, far greater today) inhabitants (Photo by Girendra Persaud)

he advent of the new year has always been a time when people reflect on the past year, perhaps what they have achieved in terms of their personal and professional goals and what they intend to accomplish in the coming year. In Guyana, we have always treated it as a time that we cleansed our houses and got our affairs – financial, business and even familial in order — so that for the rest of the year, we would be able to accomplish what we did not manage to accomplish in the previous year.

The New Year is also a time when we make resolutions. Many have quipped that the New Year’s resolutions do not last for more than a week or so; but we have known examples of New Year’s resolutions being very creative and helpful, and we think that everyone could benefit from this experience. It is important that we set realistic targets/goals and work hard towards achieving them.

In our New Year’s resolutions we can do no better than to follow what the famous Roman Philosopher-Emperor Marcus Aurelius taught us. In his work, Marcus Aurelius tackled issues such as how we should live our lives, what does justice mean, and how can we live with the knowledge that someday we will no longer exist. He taught us that we must treat every day as if it is the last day of our lives. This means that we must work to the optimum to make a positive difference in our communities and country, and maximise our time on earth. We believe that his reflections are still relevant, especially at this time of the year.

Having said that much which is traditional wisdom and approach to the advent of a new year, we would like to point out that Guyana as a nation begins the year facing new elections, which will have to be held within the next three months following the toppling of the coalition Government on December 21 via a no-confidence motion brought by the Opposition. However, based on the events unfolding, it is clear that our political leaders’ maturity and commitment to upholding the Constitution and, in general, doing what is right to ensure peace and order prevails will be tested.

As per the constitutional requirements, following the noconfidence vote, Guyana must have elections within the next three months unless otherwise decided by no less than a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly. All efforts and resources must, therefore, be concentrated on preparing for these elections to ensure that these elections are held in a free, fair and transparent manner and in keeping with international best practices.

It is hoped that once a date for new elections is set, the political parties will begin work immediately to mobilise their constituents.

More importantly, we hope that, unlike the most recent Local Government Elections, the public will participate fully in the process by directing the right questions to their leaders and by coming out to cast their votes on Election Day. Having overcome the hurdle of holding the elections, it is hoped that the country – meaning all stakeholders, including the new government and other parliamentary parties, the business community and ordinary citizens, will begin to focus on moving the country forward with immediate attention being given to economic development and constitutional reform. Our past experiences are enough to convince us that we cannot risk going through any period of instability.

That said, in spite of the present political uncertainties, 2019 should be seen as a year of renewed hope in our country and all that it has to offer. With first oil due in a matter of months all eyes will be on Guyana. Our leaders must use this new-found resource to help to create the right environment to allow citizens to be able to live in a free, happy and prosperous country, where everyone could be given the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

In 2019, citizens want to see more strenuous efforts being made by our leaders to work towards achieving common ground on issues that have caused much discord and rancour over the past three years. Our politicians should recommit themselves to working with each other for the benefit of the entire nation.

We hope that 2019 will bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to every Guyanese, both at home and abroad.

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vote’ and AFC

he recent unprecedented events in Guyana following the shock vote of former Government Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud, siding with the Opposition in toppling the coalition Government via a no-confidence motion, has once again brought the minor coalition partner – the Alliance For Change (AFC) – under the spotlight, more particularly its ability to deliver what the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) wants in the context of a shared political arrangement.

When the AFC was formed some years ago, there was much hope and goodwill enveloping it. Many people regarded it as a breath of fresh air in Guyanese politics and thought it would have ended up being a very powerful and influential third force that would hold the balance between the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Party leaders had committed that once the party gains political power, they would work hard to excise corruption, improve transparency and institute greater accountability, all premised on the pillar of strong institutions.

Accordingly, when the AFC was launched, unlike other parties which had to do hard and time-consuming work in establishing themselves, the AFC immediately had a ready-made constituency. And unlike other parties which contested elections for the first time, the party won a respectable number of seats in the 2011 General and Regional Elections.

Then came the 2015 elections and despite the PNC’s pressure on them to join the coalition of political parties which it was establish-

ing to contest with the PPP, the AFC, unlike the Working People’s Alliance and other political parties, held out and was able to negotiate on equal terms with the PNC, securing the Cummingsburg Accord which gave them a respectable power-sharing agreement whereby they would secure a number of Ministerial appointments and political sway in the Cabinet.

Sadly, after the 2015 Elections, when it seemed that the AFC was about to become a determining force in Guyanese politics, the AFC’s feet of clay was suddenly exposed to the world: The PNC reneged on the Cummingsburg Accord and took away much of what had been bargained for. The AFC did nothing, not even made a credible protest, and indeed, one or two of their leaders actually agreed with the PNC’s action. Some supporters of the party quietly fell away at this unprincipled lack of courage on the part of their leaders.

Another major cause for concern which resulted in the party losing support was the party’s deafening silence in the many cases of blatant corruption since the coalition Government took office. Over the past three years or so, there have been several scandals and poor policy decisions made by the coalition – the infamous drugs bond scandal, the D’Urban Park project, the awarding of scholarships, the contract for the Demerara Harbour Bridge feasibility study, the embroglio surrounding the appointment of the new Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Minister Volda Lawrence’s controversial remarks about giving jobs to “PNC people only” and the wanton closure of sugar es-

tates which resulted in thousands of persons being placed on the breadline etc. The leadership of the AFC remained silent and appeared to be complicit in most of these cases.

In justifying his ‘conscience vote’, Persaud raised some of these very issues which caused him to support the no-confidence motion. As a party which claims that it is serious about practicing good governance, the AFC should have committed to addressing the issues raised by the former MP as against castigating him and labelling his action as an “attack” on the party’s leadership.

Many are of the view that based on its actions, and in some cases inaction, the AFC is doing the opposite of what was promised when the party was first formed. The 2018 Local Government Elections was the first real test of the strength of the party and the results of those elections proved to be very disappointing indeed as it is now clear that the party has lost significant support in some areas it once contested.

In the words of one of its Executive Members, the party is now “dead meat” and has left an unpalatable taste in the proverbial mouths of Guyanese who entrusted them with their votes.

Considering the recent turn of events, the party’s leadership may want to consider going back to the drawing board and re-think where it is at the moment and where it wants to be in the coming years. To begin with, it must not shut out dissenting views; it must listen to its membership and take their concerns seriously since not doing so may be to its own detriment as was evident in last Friday’s no-confidence vote.

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NY governor grants Caribbean nationals clemency

APNU rep. Barbara Patricia Pilgrim replaces AFC’s Charrandas Persaud in National Assembly

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ew York Governor Andrew Cuomo has granted pardons to several Caribbean nationals, including five Jamaicans, convicted of minor drug and other offenses and saving them from possible deportation under the Donald Trump administration's tough policy on immigrants.

Cuomo said he was granting clemency to 29 immigrants “who have demonstrated substantial evidence of rehabilitation and a commitment to community crime reduction.

“While President Trump shuts down the federal government over his obsession with keeping immigrants out, New York stands strong in our support for immigrant communities,” said Cuomo, adding “these actions will help keep immigrant families together and take a critical step toward a more just, more fair and more compassionate New York.”

Five Jamaicans, a Trinidadian, one Haitian and six nationals from the Dominican Republic were among those granted pardons.

The governor said the pardons are in recognition of the immigrants' “rehabilitative efforts and to remove the barriers that their criminal records present to their immigration status.

“Some are facing deportation, while others wish to be able to participate in their communities as citizens of the country they call home. In each case, a pardon will make immigration-related relief possible, if not automatic,” he said.

Cuomo said Jamaican Olive Ferguson, 75, was convicted of attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in 1991 and that “she has been crime-free ever since”.

He said Ferguson is “an active member of her church. She has remained crime-free for 27 years. A pardon will minimise her risk of deportation.”

Jamaican Rohan Hylton, 47, was convicted of a similar offence in 1992 as well as criminal possession of marijuana in 2001 and 2003.

Cuomo said Hylton came to the United States over 30 years ago with his family “to escape political persecution.

“As a father and dedicated family man, he now lives and works in

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo

Queens. A pardon will allow him to apply for discretionary relief from his deportation order. He has not been convicted of any misdemeanours or felonies for 12 years.”

Cuomo said another Jamaican, Kerrone KayMarie Parks, 33, was convicted in 2013 on drug related charges.

“She is a domestic violence survivor, a mother of three children on the honour roll, and currently volunteers full-time at a nursing home. She has remained crime-free for five years.”

Jamaican Jeremy Grant, 58, was also convicted of drug related charges in 2005 “when an individual in a group he was a member of, sold drugs to an undercover cop and the entire group was convicted in Manhattan,” the New York governor said.

He said Grant “has been in prolonged removal proceedings since 2006,” and “has remained crime-free for 13 years”.

“A pardon would remove the barriers to apply for a green card renewal, and prevent him from being deported and losing his access to necessary medical treatment,” Cuomo said.

He said Grant's compatriot, Trevor Elliot, 67, was convicted of drugs in the early 1990s and has worked at a non-profit that provides social services for the youth and as an elder care provider.

“A pardon would allow Mr Elliot to apply for citizenship. He has maintained a crime-free lifestyle for 10 years.”

Trinidadian Anthony Khan, 66, was convicted of a drug offence in 1980 when he accompanied an acquaintance to sell a con-

trolled substance and was arrested as part of a sting operation in the Bronx.

Cuomo said Khan, who migrated to the United States in 1971, is “an active church goer and a husband and father, who has worked with the Taxi and Limousine Commission for 35 years.”

He has remained crime-free for 37 years, the governor said. Haitian Reginald Castel, 45, was convicted of assault in 1999 and Cuomo said Castel, who came to the United States at the age of eight, is married with four children and was deported without notice in September 2017.

“A pardon will allow Mr Castel to apply for re-entry to the United States and re-unite with his family. He has remained crime free for 19 years.”

Alisa Wellek, executive director of New York's Immigrant Defence Project, said that in pardoning immigrant New Yorkers who face deportation, despite years of contributing to the community, Cuomo “has used a powerful tool to restore dignity to people for whom punishment will otherwise never end, simply because they were not born here.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor's office and our Immigrant Clemency Project to provide immigrant New Yorkers with a fighting chance to remain with their families in the face of Trump's hateful agenda,” she said.

Cuomo had last year announced a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's policy of forced family separation on the US southern border.

To protect Caribbean

and other immigrants from overly aggressive deportation tactics increasingly utilised by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, the governor also issued executive orders to prohibit ICE arrests in New York state facilities without a warrant.

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Barbara Patricia Pilgrim,

arbara Patricia Pilgrim, a representative of the APNU, on Thursday, was sworn in as a Member of Parliament, following the expulsion of former Alliance for Change (AFC) member, Charrandas Persaud.

On December 21, Persaud sided with

the Opposition in supporting the no-confidence motion resulting in the toppling of the Coalition Government.

Minutes after the vote, Persaud indicated that he was no longer interested in being a representative of the APNU/ AFC Government in the Parliament.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Proper parliamentary procedures were followed in confidence vote Dear Editor, In a section of the media on May 1, 2005, Mr Raphael Trotman was quoted as saying “I would like to be part of a movement for change and I reject the current form of politics being practiced in Guyana.” In that same article, Mr Trotman reaffirmed his commitment to an independent Parliament. Let us reflect on this commitment to an independent Parliament.

Has the Speaker Dr Barton Scotland not acknowledged that the motion had been affirmed and ruled upon to allow for the official notification of the decision to be dispatched to the mover of the motion – the Opposition Leader?

Has the Opposition Leader received the notification? Yes! So proper Parliamentary procedures were followed, and the process should have been deemed as complete.

But not so in the books of these people who are on a far-fetched journey to blatantly sabotage the Constitution. Has the Speaker lost all his constitutional powers because the APNU/AFC – PNCled de facto regime says so? Isn’t the house regulated from the Speaker’s chair? Has the Speaker not ruled? They should seek proper guidance, and there is no better source than the book called the ‘Treatise on the Law, Privileges, Proceedings, and Usage of Parliament’ written by the father of Parliamentary procedures in the British Commonwealth, Mr Erskine May. Much of the Parliamentary procedures in practice today were developed over centuries across the British Commonwealth. Guyana’s Constitution was derived from such a system and there is a precedent that supports the position that the Speaker acted correctly on December 21, 2018.

In Mr May’s most informed authoritative book on Parliamentary procedures it clearly states that “when the measure or policy of Ministers is condemned by Parliament, a change of administration restores agreement…” Mr May further stated that “Ministers are responsible to the Parliament and so long as they are able to retain confidence from the Parliament, the harmonious actions of the several estates of the realm are secured.” Then Mr May went on to state that the “necessity of refusing to assent is removed by the strict observance of the constitutional principle that the (head of state) has no will but that of its Ministers who only continue to serve in that capacity so long as

they retain the confidence of Parliament”.

This de facto Granger regime, that has lost the confidence of the majority of the House (Article 106 of the Constitution), ought to have resigned by now and submit themselves to this 90 day period as a caretaker Government. But instead they have taken the decision to migrate from the realm of legitimacy to illegitimacy and from their now bastardised seats, are choosing to engage in mathematical fantasy.

The glorious art of mathematics guides us on this matter. By way of a paper authored by the William D Hacker Professor of Economics and Political Science, Professor Charles R Plott, he clearly put to rest what is a majority.

Professor Plott asked an important question – What is the constraint to achieving a majority? In Guyana’s case, the constitution said “all the elected members” can vote. That number is 65 and it is an odd number, these are the constraints. On that fateful night, all 65 elected members were present and voted, so one of the constraints was fulfilled. On the second one, Professor Plott instructs that in the case of an odd number, the majority must be derived from the formula as follows: MAJORITY = (m+1)/2 where m is the number of eligible voters (in Guyana’s case 65).

MAJORITY = (65+1)/2 = 66/2 = 33.

Following Professor Plott’s guidelines, a majority in the Guyanese Parliament is 33.

But I did not need the wisdom of the esteemed and celebrated Professor from Caltech, a world-renowned educational institution that is ranked No 5 in the world to tell me this.

I learned this elementary stuff in high school in Guyana from a Sri Lankan who taught me three types of Mathematics during my Bishops High and Queens College days – Pure Maths, Additional Maths, Further Maths. So why are the PNC and AFC political parties behaving in this manner and trying to sell me and the rest of the Guyanese nation an untruth?

I am hoping Mr Trotman remembers his words and rejects this sort of politics as he alluded to 13 years ago. He might be the last hope as it appears that elementary common sense has now departed the minds of all the other lawyers with allegiance to the PNC and AFC. I am hoping that good sense prevails.

Sincerely, Sasenarine Singh

Coalition Govt trampling on the Constitution to hang on to power

Editor, I have listened carefully to the venomous statements made

by PNCR Central Executive Member, Aubrey Norton who chaired a low-level press conference a few days ago. Clutching at straws, he accused former AFC Parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud of taking a bribe from Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP for voting according to his conscience. This is so ludicrous; I challenge anyone to produce hard evidence. In his interview with the press, Charrandas was asked if he was paid by the PPP to which he replied that he was paid by Parliament Office for traveling expense as other MPs are entitled to.

This lie was started by an APNU letter-writer Rickford Burke, in a missive to the editor, and is now being parroted by the PNC/APNU to maliciously spread false rumors, as I’m convinced that the PNC will not allow this care-taker Government to resign. It is this very arrogant behavior and bullyism that caused Charrandas to vote his according to conscience on December 21.

The APNU+AFC is now desperate and scared of the outcome, behaving like rats running wild on a sinking ship. They’ve

grown so accustomed to the good life, they simply can’t return to living an ordinary life now.

Going to court will not help them either. The Guyana Bar Association has already issued a statement supporting the validity of the Motion which reads in part, “The Bar Council rejects as erroneous such contentions that the motion was not properly passed or that the vote is, for any reason, invalid”. But as we have seen before, Government is again shamelessly exercising its power, trampling on the Constitution to hang on to power.

It was reported that if Government fails to get the Speaker of the National Assembly to respond favorably to its concerns about the validity of the no-confidence motion against it, it will take the matter to court. But what is there for the Speaker to review? Nothing new has come up to compel the Speaker to reverse his decision, and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Sherlock Isaacs has already confirmed the validity of our motion in writing. Of course, they’re hoping that the judiciary will save them. But the judiciary will place itself on trial if it attempts to overturn the will of the people and the vote in

Parliament. If through some devious means Government is able to pull off a judicial coup, this will not be accepted, and will set a dangerous precedent, one that may well lead to instability and civil unrest… “This time na like lang time.”

The judiciary has an obligation to uphold the Constituency of Guyana at all times. I expect it will continue to do so.

I suspect some in Government will want to use this opportunity to hustle as much as possible during the period leading up to new elections. I caution, this will be a big mistake. We intend to scrutinise and conduct forensic audits from December 21 to the day we get into office to recover State assets and taxpayers’ money that may disappear.

So to avoid any unpleasantness and possible loss of freedom from a visit by a SOCU under new management, I expect this caretaker Government to engage in routine expenditure only. No new contracts to be awarded, no cutting of cheques for use in the new year, and certainly, all fiscal accounts must be closed by December 31, 2018 the latest.

You’ve been forewarned!

Sincerely, Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament

Why is the Guyana Govt refusing to resign?

Dear Editor, Reference is made to a press release titled, “Government to submit Brief to Speaker addressing consequences of Dec 21 vote,” posted on the coalition Government’s Department of Information (DPI) website.

In it, the public was told: “Until and unless fresh elections are held, the Government remains in full control of the governance apparatus of the state and will continue to carry out its mandate according to its constitutional requirement. Any suggestion to the contrary is intended to breed anarchy and disorder in Guyana and that too will be resisted.”

These are the most chilling statements issued thus far by the coalition Government since it fell on December 21, 2018.

Unless this is bluff and desperation, there are profound implications here.

First, the coalition Government appears to be ready to assume de facto status and, if necessary, organise a state of emergency on false pretenses in order to declare martial law and dismiss the constitutional edict

of fresh elections.

Secondly, the coalition Government wants to muzzle free speech and the relentless public criticism of its refusal to resign from office, and call new elections as the Constitution requires.

The coalition Government is publicly calling all critics and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, the latter having accused the coalition of a judicial coup, anarchists or enemies of the state bent on “anarchy and disorder.”

State media and state organs including the DPI are being utilised to tell citizens and the Leader of the Opposition to be quiet, to shut up, to have no expressed opinion about matters that occurred in their National Assembly on December 21.

The Leader of the Opposition was told that he must know his place which is to say his constitutionally created office must now take instructions from junior Ministers of the coalition Government. In other words, the coalition is using intimidation to swallow Opposition politics.

Third, public notice is now

given that anyone who speaks out will be “resisted” by the coalition Government which has at its disposal, the full arsenal of state apparatus. The coalition has already, or is about to swallow the State. The State will do the biddings of the coalition.

It is time to be prepared to be arrested and booked with bogus charges for writing or speaking. It is time to anticipate the army mobilising against citizens in the street and establishing camps on their private property. It is time for “wanted” bulletins to be issued for persons for mere questioning. It is time for unlawful detention. This press release makes clear that there is no more equal protection.

Finally, the fallen coalition Government rejects the idea that it is a caretaker Government.

Instead, it tells the entire electorate that it will not only exist but “continues” to govern in full capacity (“carry out its mandate”) as if December 21 dropped off the face of the calendar. There no longer is any original mandate. Onwards to a Police state.

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

The business of the National Assembly cannot go on as per normal Dear Editor, My attention was drawn to an extensive social media post

by Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin in which he posited “The Constitution is silent on the impact of a no-confidence vote on the National Assembly. I would therefore expect the National Assembly to continue to function as normal, and in keeping with

the will of the electorate, until such time as it is dissolved.”

I will begin by agreeing with Gaskin that he is correct in that the Constitution is silent on the matter, but since Article 106 (6) states “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the

National Assembly on a vote of confidence” and Article 106 (7) continues “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than continued on page 7

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

33 is considered a majority …says former T&T Speaker

By Shemuel Fanfair

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wo former Speakers of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament have held out that 33 votes out of 65 constitute a majority, with one calling on the President David Granger-led Government to resign and call fresh elections.

These contentions follow the December 21, 2018 passage of an Opposition filed no-confidence motion against the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration when now expelled representative Charrandas Persaud made a conscience vote and supported the motion.

Government had initially accepted the motion now turned resolution but subsequently shifted its position with Attorney General Basil Williams having declared that the Administration will mount a legal challenge on the view that 34 votes were required for successful passage.

The Attorney General held to that view after Attorney Nigel Hughes, husband of Government Minister Cathy Hughes, made that comment following the passage of the motion.

However, in an interview with Guyana

Times International on Wednesday, former Deputy Speaker (19952000; 2010-2011), Dr Faud Khan who has also acted in the post of Speaker, clearly outlined that 33 votes surpassed the 50 per cent mark.

“If that had occurred on my watch while I was sitting in the chair, it would have been obvious that it would be more than 50 per cent of the vote that would have carried the motion and from what I gather, 32.5 is the 50 per cent mark and 33 votes go over the 50 per cent and as a result of that, this carries the vote into the no-confidence realm. Thirtyfour makes no sense because you’re creating an issue that really and truly doesn’t exist. Once the vote is carried, then the no-confidence is carried,” Dr Khan postulated.

Constitution is clear

Dr Khan highlighted that had such a motion been passed in Trinidad, elections would have been called in his home country, which is Guyana’s Caricom (Caribbean Community) counterpart and geographic neighbour.

“You would have to call elections as you have lost confidence; you would have a lot of shenanigans [which has] been happening in Guyana; they [Trinidad’s Government]

The business of the...

from page 6

two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election”, then one can take the two articles conjunctively to arrive at a commonsense position that it cannot be business as usual as contended by Gaskin. Instead, it must be a period of great ethical behavior; no granting of contracts; no dispersal of state assets; no actions that can be deemed favorable to one’s self, friends, cronies or business associates. While a caretaker Government provision is not explicitly stated, we cannot have a vacuum, hence it is most certainly implied.

Editor, there was no rabid call for resignation of the Government prior to their announcement of ‘exploration of options’, until then, President Granger and Opposition Bharat Jagdeo had set a respectful tone that becalmed seas that threatened to be stormy. The behavior of Cabinet members since the de-

parture of President Granger has caused many great alarms. The attempts to sidestep the Constitution by way of asking the Speaker to review a decision of the National Assembly; introduction of illogical interpretations of the word ‘majority’; questions of citizenship that are clearly addressed

by Article 165 (2) of the Constitution are all acts of people who are desperate to avoid facing the electorate.

Editor, until there is a renewed public acceptance by the Government that it has fallen and there exists no constitutional crisis, civil society members will continue to be strident in the calls for the resignation of the Granger Administration.

The people of the nation accepted the results of the no-confidence motion, I strongly urge the Government to swallow their pride and follow suit, failing which the medicine will indeed be bitter at the polls.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

would try all kinds of legal actions to try and stop it but at the end of the day, the Constitution is clear, the Government [of Guyana] has lost the vote and if the vote is in favour of the Opposition, then it means that the Government has been defeated and they have no locus standi to stand up and say ‘yes, we will stay’. What you are really doing is losing the confidence of the people,” the United National Congress (UNC) Representative detailed.

He observed that the Speaker does not have the right to “revoke” the vote as he made it clear that the requiring 34 votes for passage argument will not hold up.

“It’s null and void; anyone who tries to pull that argument is really grasping at straws and they are going against the Constitution. For public confidence to be on a Government, you would have to [call elections]; if they don’t, whatever they do, the public confidence will not be on them,” Dr Khan posited.

He further disputed the merit of the 34 argument on his belief that previous motions and legislations passed with 33 votes could be viewed as null and void, a view held by some local observers.

The people have spoken

Some of what Dr Khan put forward was shared by former Trinidad and Tobago House Speaker (1986-1991), Nizam Mohammed who posited that 33 votes out of 65 reflect a majority.

Some have argued that 33 is a simple ma-

Former Trinidad and Tobago House Speaker, Nizam Mohammed (1968-1991)

jority while 34 would be an absolute majority but the former Speaker indicated that ‘majority’ was the key word as Guyana’s Constitution makes no mention of ‘simple’ or ‘absolute’. Article 106 (6) of the Constitution in fact states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

Mohammed highlighted that the term ‘half’ was not expressed. “The ordinary interpretation is not talking about half; it’s talking about majority and a majority in ordinary language would be 33. Majority as I understand it would be more than the minority and the majority would be 33,” Mohammed stated.

When asked on whether or not the Administration has valid case to argue, the former Speaker noted that the will of the people has to be taken into consideration and even though Government has 33 seats and the Opposition, 32, according to him, the

people’s will was reflected in the December 21 vote.

“If such a situation existed in Trinidad and Tobago, I do not believe that there would have been any delay in announcing a date for the elections. It happened during the time of Basdeo Panday when he was Prime Minister and there a defection of three members of his Government and the then Prime Minister said he did not have the kind of majority in accordance with law to carry on any further and they had an election,” Mohamed recalled of the early 2000s era.

“My view is, without interfering with what is taking place in Guyana, is that the people through their representatives did in fact speak,” he added.

With the Guyana Government’s defeat, the next steps in Clause 7 of Article 106 goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than twothirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

“What will be taking place now in machinations among the politicians on both sides to either bring the county to elections before the required date or the Government will seek

Former Trinidad and Tobago Deputy Speaker and Acting Speaker, Dr Faud Khan (T&T Parliament photo)

to buy more time rather than call an election,” the former speaker said.

Mohammed explained that in Trinidad’s bi-cameral legislature, a motion of no-confidence, which is filed in the House of Representatives, would be carried by a majority of voting members present. It was observed that if the country had 65 members and all were present, then 33 would be a majority and a no-confidence motion would be carried unless there are standing orders or provisions in the Trinidad and Tobago Constitution that require a specific number or percentage.

The twin island republic’s Parliament has 41 seats in the Senate and 41 seats in the House of Representatives representing an Upper and Lower house respectively.

Locally, both Government and Opposition have met with the diplomatic community as Guyana gears up to potentially head to the polls within the coming months.

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“Busy year” ahead for aviation sector

…as Guyana prepares for first oil

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ith oil production less than one year away, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is preparing itself for quite a busy year, which is likely to have increased helicopter activity.

This was explained

by Head of the Aviation sector, Egbert Field, who during an interview with Guyana Times International on Wednesday said, “We just started the year and we are just analysing what took place over the last year and are planning for a busy year ahead because a lot is going to happen”.

He explained that the “busy year” can be summed up into one equation, as first oil can be expected within a few months.

It was on that note that the Director of the GCAA disclosed that more helicopter activity can be expected. He not-

GCAA Director Egbert Field

ed, “It would really push us to the point of having more inspections on operators and all the other things”.

Plans are also be-

ing made according to him to set up more programmes, “but nothing (too) extraordinary”.

The helicopters which will be brought

in, he said, will perform the same functions that are being carried out presently which involves trips from the shore to the oil rigs. He said over 10 flights daily can be expected. “There will be a little more activity… maybe 10 flights or 12 flights a day, they may be doing more so my air traffic controllers will have more work on their hands,” Field asserted.

Along with the increase in helicopter traffic expected this year, Guyana is also anticipating a greater influx of airlines. This is more than likely with the new air services agreements being inked with other countries, some of which have been already signed.

In fact, back in December last year, GCAA was gearing up to sign another open skies agreement, this time with the African country Tanzania.

Field noted that already the Agency has signed open skies agreement with other South American countries which will allow for more airlines to fly as well.

“We’ll improve connectivity in the region, especially with the South American region by reaching out to sign more air services agreements with the various states, because having air services agreements that is the foundation or the platform which the airlines will be able to ride on,” the Director said.

On that note, it was pointed out that the GCAA has already inked an agreement with Brazil and Ghana which will allow for direct flights to those countries as well as it also gave clearance for any airline which wishes to fly to Guyana from those countries.

“At the last conference we had, the air-transport conference, Guyana signed an agreement with Ghana and Ghana is very excited about that because they are looking to open up their country,” Field noted.

At that conference, he had also disclosed that the Authority is seeking to sign more of such agreements with Columbia and other African states such as Tanzania and Nigeria, with the aim of having as many airlines as possible entering Guyana.

Security guard to face High Court trial for wife’s murder

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Dead: reputed wife Shanece Lawrence

onths after being charged for the murder of his reputed wife, Shanece Lawrence, Jermaine Bristol of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, was on Wednesday committed to stand trial at the High Court by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The 34-year-old man was charged on August

Dr Nehaul Singh showed that Lawrence had 10 stab wounds to the neck and body.

It was reported in August 2018 that the couple shared a rocky relationship spanning over half a decade.

Bristol’s aunt, Yvonne Morris, told this publication that she had last seen the couple sometime between 10:00h and 10:30h on the

Murder accused: Jermaine Bristol

24, 2018, for the capital offence of murder committed against his reputed wife, 24-year-old Shanece Lawrence on August 22, 2018 at their Freeman Street, East La Penitence home.

The ruling to face the Judge and jury came after the Chief Magistrate found that a prima facie case was made out against Bristol.

The prosecution’s case had stated that after killing Lawrence, Bristol walked into the East La Penitence Police Station and reported the crime. He then led the Police to the body, which was discovered with a knife stuck in the neck.

A post-mortem examination performed by Government Pathologist,

dreadful day, when they both visited her home at different intervals. She said although her nephew was not a violent person, the duo had had a turbulent relationship, with constant intense arguments being featured.

The woman said her nephew informed her that Lawrence had left the home sometime on August 23, 2018.

Meanwhile, the dead woman’s mother had told this publication that she was aware that the duo had issues, adding that her daughter had informed her that she was planning to move back home; but she maintained that the couple had not been fully separated.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s foreign minister meets with US counterpart on Venezuela border controversy

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uyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge on Tuesday met with the Senior Director of the United States National Security Council’s Western Hemisphere Affairs, Mauricio ClaverCarone, to discuss the ongoing border controversy Guyana has with Venezuela.

The meeting was held between the two high-level officials in Brasilia, Brazil, on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony for the President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro.

According to a release from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the discussions were focused on the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy, particularly the Venezuelan navy’s recent interception of an ExxonMobil contracted vessel, conducting seismic surveys in Guyanese territory on December 22, 2018.

According to the Ministry, the US State Department issued a statement prior to the incident saying, “Guyana has the sovereign right to explore and exploit resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone.”

It went on to urge Venezuelans to respect the international laws and rights of its neighbours.

Senior Director of the United States National Security Council’s Western Hemisphere Affairs, Mauricio Claver-Carone and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

Inauguration

Meanwhile, at the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, Greenidge said his attendance consolidates existing relations.

“Brazil is an important ally especially at a time when there is so much instability in the world,” Greenidge said.

“Most importantly, it is our largest immediate neighbour and our relationship with the State is a priority,” he added.

Notwithstanding a change of Government, the Guyanese Foreign Minister remains optimistic about Guyana/ Brazil relations.

“I wouldn’t expect there to be a shift as regards Guyana because our relations have not been unstable. We have strong common interests bilaterally and regionally,” he explained.

The Minister also seized the opportunity to meet with his Brazilian counterpart, Ernesto Araujo, who previously held the post of Director

Perry Holloway fmr US Ambassador appointed Guyana Goldfields VP

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ust after his tour of duty to Guyana as United States Ambassador concluded, it is now being announced that Perry Holloway has been appointed as Senior Vice President (VP) of the Guyana Goldfields Inc. The announcement was made via the company’s webpage which revealed that Holloway assumed his new role on January 1, 2019.

"We are very pleased that Perry will be joining our team," stated Scott Caldwell, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "He brings to the table an intimate working knowledge of Guyana, the government and its people from his time as the U.S. Ambassador. This experience will complement the excellent platform the Company has already established in the areas of government relations, corporate social responsibility and program management."

Holloway has some 30 years international experience in Latin America and the Caribbean focusing on government relations, business advocacy, program management, development, and security.

In addition to serving Guyana as an Ambassador, Holloway who hold a masters in International Business Science and one in National Resource Strategy also served Colombia, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, and Afghanistan in the same position.

Holloway noted his enthusiasm in working with the Goldfields team stating that he wants to ensure that the

Perry Holloway

company continues to contribute to Guyana’s economy as it is presently doing.

“I saw firsthand how the work of Guyana Goldfields has contributed positively to the Guyanese economy and its people with gold currently being the primary driver of economic growth. I look forward to now being directly involved with this work and further strengthening the Company's in-country relationships to the benefit of both the Company and the people of Guyana” Holloway said.

Holloway will reportedly be focused on all activities involving the government of Guyana as well as matters relating to in-country management and corporate social responsibility.

of the Department US, Canada and InterAmerican matters.

During the meeting, the two Ministers also discussed the Guyana/ Venezuela controversy and other areas of mutual interest. Greenidge during the ceremony was able to meet with ambassadors of Caribbean states where he briefed them on developing issues including the controversy with Venezuela and the Caricom Single

Market and Economy (CSME).

Meanwhile, on the issue of Guyana/Brazil relations, Guyana’s Ambassador, George Talbot underscored the nature of existing relations with Brazil which have spanned decades.

Guyana and Brazil established diplomatic relations on August 26, 1968. Cooperation covers a broad range of areas including trade, health, agriculture, transport

and security matters.

In December, the Venezuelan military forced a seismic vessel belonging to ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary out of Guyanese waters.

ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary has since suspended the 3D seismic operations it started only a month ago in Guyana’s Stabroek Block after the appearance and approach of the Venezuelan military, which forced the company’s seismic vessel to pack up shop and vacate the area.

The vessel in question is the Ramform Tethys, which is owned by Norwegian company Petroleum and Geo Services (PGS) that was contracted by ExxonMobil to carry out tests and acquire seismic data.

This incident comes at a time when Guyana has an ongoing case with Venezuela in regard to territorial integrity. In November Guyana submitted its memorial on jurisdiction to the International Court of Justice, and a date has been set for the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuelan to submit its own counter memorial.

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Decision stands! ...

from page 3

Leader came hours after Jagdeo said the PPP/C is ready and willing to work with the Coalition Government to determine the way forward.

In a shock vote on December 21, now expelled APNU/AFC MP sided with the Opposition in voting in favour of the no-confidence motion resulting in the toppling of the Coalition Government.

Initially, the Government accepted the ruling and had committed to abiding by the constitution.

However, mere days after it backpedalled. The government is now exploring all possible avenues to hold on to power, saying that the motion was not properly carried as it needed 34, instead of the 33 votes to do so. This argument has since been dismissed by many experts all over the world as rubbish.

The government has already signaled through its Attorney General; Basil Williams that should the Speaker’s ruling not be in their favour, they will move to the courts.

Meanwhile, outspoken political commentator and attorney Christopher Ram said according to the provisions in the Guyana Constitution, the Government’s resignation should be automatic or with immediate effect after the passage of a no-confidence motion.

In a letter to the editor on Wednesday, Ram explained that Article 106 (6) uses mandatory language and imposes a duty on the Cabinet, including the President, to resign if the Government is defeated on a no-confidence motion. He added that the resignation under Article 106 (6), brings to a halt their functions, including aiding and advising the President in the general direction and control of the Government, proposing legislation, reviewing of contracts over fifteen million dollars and the making of appointments.

“While the Constitution is silent on the specific date for the resignation under Article 106 (6), for the reason set out below, that

resignation seems to be automatic, or intended to be with immediate effect. In any case, Article 232 (9) provides that the Interpretation and General Clauses Act (ICGA) shall apply for the purpose of interpreting the Constitution. Since no time is prescribed therefore, Section 39 of the ICGA provides that “where no time is prescribed within which anything shall be done, such thing shall be done with all convenient speed,” Ram noted.

Solidifying his argument, the attorney alluded to the similar situation in the United Kingdom Parliament when Conservative Party Leader Margaret Thatcher succeeded in a motion of no-confidence against Labour Party Government led by Prime Minister James Callaghan. The vote was 311:310.

Despite the UK not having a Constitution, its Parliament is considered supreme and Callaghan tendered his resignation to the Queen the day after the March 28, 1979 vote and asked her to dissolve Parliament “as soon as essential business can be cleared up”. Parliament was dissolved 10 days after the vote and elections held 36 days after the vote.

Further solidifying his argument, Ram noted that former Speaker of the House Ralph Ramkarran pointed out that the inclusion of paragraphs (6) and (7) in Article 106 was to insert in the Guyana Constitution, the convention inherited from the UK regarding no-confidence motions.

Ramkarran was the Chairman of the Constitution Reform Commission that inserted the provisions hence he would be the most experienced to speak on the issue of its interpretation.

“It is hard to see what more could have been done by the CRC which could convince the [A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change] APNU/ AFC Government; that like the Callaghan Government, it fell the

time the motion was passed. That is common sense and the resignation ought to have been a formality,” Ram said.

Turning to Article 106 (7) which states, “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

Explaining the key terms in the provision, Ram said “Government” is defined in the Constitution only to mean Government of Guyana but it is clear that the term must include the President who under Article 89 – Establishment of office of President of the Constitution is vested with several roles: Head of State, supreme executive authority and Commander-in-Chief of the country’s armed forces. The President also has a number of functions and powers including the appointment of Ministers and the allocation of portfolios; presiding over Cabinet meetings; appointing parliamentary secretaries and an Attorney General; exercising the Prerogative of Mercy; appointing Judges, including the Chancellor and the Chief Justice.

“The President’s functions are clearly diminished under Article 106 (6) but he still remains the head of Government, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. As a practical matter he can no longer perform some of the functions identified in the preceding paragraph while his tenure as President automatically comes to an end when the person elected President at the next election takes office,” he explained.

He further stated that the Ministers, after the President had resigned, would only be delegated as oversight personnel in their respective Ministries.

5 legal practitioners now Senior Counsels

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DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack

Stephen Fraser

Robert Ramcharran

resident David Granger conferred five legal practitioners with the honour of Senior Counsel.

With effect from January 1, 2019, the long-serving legal practitioners, Guyana’s Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Shalimar AliHack, Stephen Fraser, Carole James-Boston, Robert Ramcharran and Rajendra Poonai will all be Senior Counsels.

The Ministry of the Presidency in a state-

ment on Monday said, “Five legal practitioners will be presented with their instruments of commission, elevating them to Senior Counsel at a ceremony to be announced later”.

On January 18, 2018 President David Granger presented four long-serving legal practitioners with their instruments of commission, elevating them to Senior Counsel.

The new Senior Counsels who were appointed are Kalam Azad Juman Yassin, Fitz Le Roy

Peters, Andrew Mark Fitzgerald Pollard and Josephine Whitehead.

They were all officially appointed at a ceremony held in the Baridi Benab at State House.

Noting that the award of the honour of Senior Counsel recognises those whose service in the legal profession has evinced values and standards, the President said that the simple but significant ceremony constitutes, as President of Guyana, an important personal obligation.

Carole James-Boston

Rajendra Poonai

Back in 2017, nine Senior Counsels were appointed.

2 children abused or violated every hour in Guyana – CCPA report he shocking and saddening news that two children are abused every hour in Guyana was revealed by the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) in its annual year-in-review report.

The information, which is currently available on the Agency’s Facebook page states, “From the data analysed for the period January to October 2018 every hour… 2 children are abused or violated in Guyana”.

According to CCPA, by the end of October 2018, the Agency had already responded to

nancies and STDs. It is structurally talking with teens for them to make good choices”. So far, CCPA disclosed that it has worked with 308 vulnerable teens which include boys.

As of June 2018, Guyana recorded an increase in reported cases of sexual abuse against children. The eye-widening figure of 481 was revealed by the Director of the Agency, Ann Greene during an interview with this publication.

Greene went on to explain that she believes the high number exposed itself only due to intensive work by the Department.

According to her, “it’s

4352 child abuse reports, which happens to be the highest number of reported cases ever for the period.

In fact, a 25.4 per cent increase was recorded when compared with figures for the same period for last year.

“This increase is being attributed to the National Multimedia Awareness Child Abuse Campaign and the work done at the community level,” CCPA said.

On the other hand, when it comes to teenage pregnancy, the document said the Agency’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Empowerment Programme was a success.

According to the Agency, “To date it has reached teens in Regions: I,3,4,5,6,7 &10.

It is a programme, in collaboration with key stakeholders and NGO partners, to give teens/ adolescents adequate information and support for them to make informed decisions about getting involved in sexual activity that will result in unwanted preg-

not an increase to say it is more now than what it was before because we got more awareness, we got more channels to report. We encourage persons to report more so when we do all these programmes and all these awareness and so on, put in a hotline and all of that, the reports would increase, but it does not signal that there is more child abuse this year than last year”.

She sought to point out that she believes the figure exposed is just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ since abuse, especially sexual abuse, is often hidden and goes unreported.

Greene said she believes a holistic approach is definitely needed, as the Department continues to raise awareness in the heart-wrenching area of child sexual abuse.

It was further related by the child enthusiast that most of the children from the 481 figure are under the age of 16.

Moreover, Greene said most of the matters reported are still being investigated.

By Davina Ramdass

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jagdeo briefs Western diplomats on threat to democracy

... pushes for intense Int’l scrutiny for upcoming elections

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo met with diplomats from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union on Friday, as the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) shared its concerns following the recent no-confidence resolution and its expectations for the next 90 days.

In an interview with the media following the one-hour long meeting, Jagdeo noted that he outlined to the diplomatic community that if elections are not held within the timeframe stipulated by the Constitution, the Government will be considered an illegitimate and unconstitutional one.

“We in the parliamentary Opposition will treat the Government if elections are not held by that date as illegitimate and that no act that they engage in internationally or locally would be recognised.

This will have major implications for Guyana, for investors

and for all concerned.

I have also urged the diplomatic community to be involved in the process of free and fair elections,” Jagdeo added.

According to the Opposition Leader, one of the things the Party wants is observer teams from several international organisations and the customary countries to ensure the vote is free from fraud.

“I expressed the desire of the People’s Progressive Party to see a massive observer group from all the agencies…

Caricom (Caribbean Community); the European Union; OAS (Organisation of American States); UNASUR (Union of South American Nations); Carter Centre, Commonwealth, etc.”

“Then I also made it clear to them that we are very concerned about the shenanigans that seem to be brewing behind this Government’s statement that they are exploring legal and oth-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

er options,” the former President said.

Jagdeo said Government has gone from accepting the results of the vote to searching for ways to reverse it.

He pointed out that both Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and President David Granger had previous-

ly accepted that the Government had fallen, and elections were due.

The Opposition Leader slammed the Government for breaking the trust and good will he had hoped would be built up ahead of his meeting with the President. Jagdeo noted that far from using the time to calm

the country following the vote, reports that Government is searching for a way to reverse the results have caused tension.

“I said to them (diplomats) we, the People’s Progressive Party, will not accept that, and obviously there would be instability in the country if this (Government reversing its word) were to happen. I also said that we will not accept a judicial coup… the Legislative branch has made a decision.

That has to be respected.”

The Opposition Leader noted that he also told the diplomatic community that his party would not return to the National Assembly, unless for issues related to elections. He made it clear that the Government has fallen, and it cannot be business as usual for the Government when it comes to passing bills in the National Assembly.

Jagdeo reiterated that the Government is there in a caretaker capacity. He acknowl-

edged that the National Assembly may have to meet to pass legislation related to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) or if the PPP agreed to extend the period until elections.

The Opposition Leader was open to meeting with the Government ahead of any future sittings, so that the parameters were set.

“That would be an illewgal sitting, as far as we’re concerned.

And anything passed in this kind of situation that would not be recognised. We would not recognise anything they do except elections related. We’re not going to go.”

On December 21, 2018, the no-confidence motion brought by the parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) – against the Government succeeded when former AFC Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud broke ranks and made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

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APNU/AFC ‘desperately’ holding on to power …PPP rejects bribery allegations

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has rejected allegations that former Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud was bribed to vote against the Government at the recent no-confidence motion.

According to the Party in a statement on Monday, the allegations have all been manufactured by coalition politicians intent on not stepping down, something which the Constitution of Guyana says a Government must do after losing a no-confidence motion.

“These allegations are being hatched and spewed by a desperate group of power-drunk and semi-crazed politicians, who want to hold on to the reins of Government at all costs, so that they can continue to pillage the treasury,” the Party said.

“We urge our members, supporters and indeed, every right-think-

ing Guyanese to ignore these paranoid and baseless outpourings,” the Party added in its statement, which came shortly after statements from the Public Security Minister announcing that Police were investigating Persaud.

AG fumbles

At a recent press conference to defend the Government’s attempts to reinterpret Guyana’s Constitution, Attorney General Basil Williams revealed that a legal memorandum containing six arguments was submitted to the National Assembly.

Government is hoping that upon House Speaker Dr Barton Scotland reviewing this document, he will reverse the no-confidence motion which was already passed. According to the AG, a no-confidence motion is different from other motions in that an “absolute majority” of 34 out of 65 members is needed rather than 33, which Government is claiming

is a “simple majority”.

When asked, Williams admitted that the Constitution of Guyana makes no distinction between when an absolute majority and when a simple majority is used to vote in the National Assembly.

Instead, the Government is using legal precedents from other jurisdictions.

There are immediate holes in this explanation, however, since it indicates that Government would then have needed 34 votes to defeat the motion. Asked about this discrepancy, a not so clear Williams had this to say: “If they said it (motion) was (defeated by 33), it could have been challenged that it should have been 34. Look, I wasn’t going to tell the PPP how many people they needed to steal from the Government,” Williams said.

It was pointed out to Williams that all 32 members of the Opposition side had al-

ready voted for the motion and that going by its own arguments, Government would have needed at least one Opposition member to defect in order to defeat the motion. Williams shied away from this question.

“You’re saying I should have gone and done that (poach a PPP MP’s vote)?

Why are you encouraging me to go and do mischief? I’m saying to you that to get 34 you have to steal from the other side, any party. It wasn’t my decision to (steal from PPP)… I’m not addressing this again. I’ve explained this already,” the AG added.

But President David Granger had already committed to following the provisions outlined in the Constitution, facilitating early elections and engaging in dialogue with the Leader of the Opposition, upon his return from Cuba where he departed for treatment. Since the passage of the motion on December 21, however, persons aligned with the coalition party have sought to question the motion’s validity even as the vote has already been certified.

The original proponent of the 34-vote argument is Attorney Nigel Hughes, a former AFC Chairman, who is the husband of Government Minister, Cathy Hughes, who told State media that half of 65 is 32.5 but when rounded to the nearest whole number this would be 33 as there is no half member.

Since then, Government has held on to this explanation and has included it in its arguments it plans to present to Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland; in an effort to get him to reverse the no-confidence motion.

When asked about the Government ‘switching its mouth’ after promising to respect the results of the no-confidence vote, Williams claimed that President Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said what they had to say at the time to “keep the peace.”

Rupununi farmer charged for killing Brazilian

A

37-year-old farmer of Moco Moco Village, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) on Monday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan slapped with the capital offence of murder.

It is alleged that on December 25, 2018, at Moco Moco Village, Darrel Williams murdered Elvis Aulicio, a Brazilian.

The prosecution is contending that Aulicio and the accused, who are known to each other, were imbibing at a birthday celebration when Williams accused him of stealing a haversack, which he denied. Williams, the prosecution stated, became annoyed, armed himself with a knife and followed Aulicio as he made his way into Moco Moco

Darrel Williams

Savannahs. He then allegedly stabbed Aulicio to the neck and left him there to die.

The Chief Magistrate remanded Williams to prison. The case will continue on January 17 at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

Enmore woman allegedly takes own life after arguing with mother Dead: Shelly Parsharm Singh

A

22-year-old Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) woman allegedly took her own life on Saturday last following a heated argument with her mother, who resides overseas.

The dead woman was identified as Shelly Parsharm Singh, a mother of one. She was found hanging by family members after 12:00h on the day in question.

According to reports, the young woman allegedly received a call from her mother on Saturday, but the conversation turned into an

argument.

The argument reportedly stemmed from the woman not approving of Singh’s husband. Later that day, relatives discovered the young woman’s body hanging from a rafter in one of the bedrooms in her home.

Relatives are, however, crying foul as Singh’s husband was at home at the time of the incident.

The matter is being investigated as Police have not ruled out foul play and have indicated that the now dead woman’s husband may be questioned.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Man goes berserk; beheads father-in-law for intervening in domestic dispute

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he community of Kurtaka in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) was sent into a state of shock on New Year Day, when the village’s Toshao was beheaded by his sonin-law after he intervened in a domestic dispute.

Dead is Toshao Solomon Lewis, who resided in the said community.

Reports are the incident occurred at about 04:00h on January 1. Guyana Times International was told that Toshao Lewis and his son attempted to stop his 27-year-old son-in-law from beating his daughter.

Annoyed at the two men’s intervention, the suspect armed himself with a cutlass and dealt several chops to his father-in-law, severing his head in the process.

He then turned his attention to his brother-in-law, dealing him several chops also which reportedly severed one of the man’s hands. Following the incident, the suspect fled the scene in a boat.

The team of law enforcement officers who were dispatched to the area to probe the murder arrested the suspect on Wednesday.

The body of the dead Toshao and his injured son were also transported to Bartica as investigations continue.

When contacted, former President of the National Toshaos Council, Joel Fredericks related that security has been a concern of many village leaders within communities of the riverine and hinterland regions. In some scenarios, they are vulnerable to attacks because their dwellings are isolated from the community.

As a former chief, he mentioned, “For the Indigenous people in the hinterland, there is a security problem. The thing is with the way some of the villages are situ-

Dead: Toshao Solomon Lewis

ated, the Toshao is not in the central part of the area. Some of them live outside or far away so it’s difficult.”

Another concern raised was the location of Police stations and medical facilities which affects the response to such incidents.

“The health facility sometimes is not where the majority of the population is.

Sometimes they have to go up the river or down the river. Especially in the riverine area, that is an issue for most of the villages because people live along the river.”

With condolences pouring in, another former executive member of the NTC, Eyon Boyal posted on his social media page that Indigenous leaders over the years have asked for handcuffs, guns and Police outposts for protection against their “high-risk” jobs.

“As a former Toshao, I have listened to my fellow Indigenous leaders at successive National Toshaos Conferences request guns, handcuffs and even Police outposts or Police patrols… Toshaos, indeed need protection of all sorts since you are the father of the village, all villagers turn to your help,” his Facebook post read.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Going to the polls is the best option’

…Nandlall says Govt has lost legitimacy to govern

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iven the many arguments being put forward following the no-confidence vote in the National Assembly over a week ago, former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has said the most prudent thing to do at this point, in the best interest of the nation, is to proceed with preparing the country for elections and allow Guyanese to elect a Government.

Nandlall noted that the coalition Government has always argued that it had 33 votes and it would defeat the Oppositionsponsored no-confidence motion. However, it turned out that the Opposition secured the 33 votes instead, in order to have that motion passed in the National Assembly. But today, the Government is trying to propose several legal arguments.

But the former AG maintained that the Government, by all means, should resign as per the Constitution.

“The Constitution is silent on time, but the language of the Constitution is couched in the mandatory tone …

Our laws are very clear.

Our Interpretation and General Clauses Act says whenever a written law is silent on the time … then that act must be done in reasonable time.”

Referring to the Judicial Review Act, in which he filed an action to help bring that law into force, Nandlall said one of the arguments of Attorney General Basil Williams were that there was no timeframe. He recalled that Chief Justice Roxane George overruled that argument on the ground that whenever a law was silent, that act must be done in reasonable time.

Assuming that the no-confidence motion was unsuccessful, Nandlall said there would not have been a stopping in time for the Government not to continue in office.

As such, he believes that the Government ought to have resigned already.

He reminded that the Constitution only provides for the Government to remain in office for 90 days and ensure that elections are held.

“The Government will obviously remain in office with the limited powers of holding elections in three months.

The Government will be empowered to do what is necessary to ensure that elections are held within that period. Outside

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

of that, one can forcibly argue that Government does not have other powers … Government gets its power to rule, by the people. When they lost the no-confidence, it was a loss of the will of the people. They have lost the will to govern.”

Notwithstanding the reduced power of the coalition Government, the former AG declared that it would still have to perform the basic functions of Government, such as to ensure public safety and security, and having Parliament maintained, among others.

He said, “Government has to now address its mind to the dissolution of Parliament. It is clear when elections is imminent, you dissolve the Parliament. The President does that…”

Nandlall said the office holder, whether acting or not, has the authority to do so.

Other arguments While rejecting the argument of 34 being a majority to pass the no-confidence motion, Nandlall says he has taken note of other arguments being proposed.

He was referring to the fact that former Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud was a citizen of Canada, which disqualifies him from being a member of the National Assembly.

He said while this may be a legal argument being considered, Guyana is not the only country that has that provision in its Constitution. Therefore, he said that the argument must be guided by case law in the Region and the Commonwealth, where similar provisions exist. But Nandlall said that Article 165 (1) and 165 (2) of the Constitution made provi-

sions for such.

The pertinent section reads, “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the National Assembly may regulate its own procedure and may make rules for that purpose (standing orders)…The National Assembly may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership, including any vacancy not filled when the Assembly first meets after the commencement of this Constitution, or after the dissolution of the Parliament and the presence and/or participation of any person not entitled to be present at, or participate in the proceedings in the Assembly, shall not in-

validate those proceedings.”

On that note, Nandlall said if one were to assume that Persaud was not qualified or entitled to be present and participate in the proceedings of Parliament, the Constitution speaks to that and says that his presence does not invalidate the proceeding. “If his presence there was one that was wrongful, the question is does it operate retrospectively or prospectively…” he added.

The former AG said if a court declared him unqualified, but he voted in favour of budgets and laws that were passed, then that brings a whole new argument to the

fore. “Let’s assume that they (Government) go before a judge and the judge said yes, he was sitting there unlawfully. Does the judge have the power to invalidate all that was done prior to that?” he questioned.

But more than that, Nandlall argued that the judge will also have to take into account that there are many more members of the National Assembly who are in similar circumstances like Persaud. He, therefore, questioned how far back the judge would go to invalidate acts in other Parliaments. On that basis, he believes that the best option is to go to the polls.

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G$35M Family Fun Park opens in Berbice

he spanking new Outback Adventures Family Fun Park and Resort located at Gangaram, East Canje Berbice has officially opened its doors to the public. The resort is a 10-minute drive from New Amsterdam and a

Berbice. We decided to introduce this Fun Park in Berbice because we saw that it was a market opportunity and also because of the lack of recreational facilities in here,” he explained.

The young businessman further stated that “We wanted to create an atmosphere where persons can go and unwind.”

According to the young man, with the availability of a large plot of land owned by his parents, he began drafting several designs before approaching them with his final plan for the park. After several months, his parents decided to commence the construction works.

The Business Economics major student told this publica-

few minutes from the Berbice River Bridge.

The G$35 million project is a 23-year-old University of Guyana student’s brainchild.

Since its official opening three weeks ago, Outback Adventures has become the premier hangout destination in Berbice.

Havendra Sookraj, the young entrepreneur, stated that the resort offers the public a spacious swimming pool for both adults and kids, a

tion that it is just one of several plans his family has in the works that will tremendously boost tourism opportunities in Berbice. The resort currently does not offer stay-in accommodations, however, it is in the pipelines.

“Because of the nature of the project we realise that some persons would want to come and overnight so we decided that in the future we want to work on creating some sort of accommoda-

swim-up bar and poolside space, both indoor and outdoor dining facilities, a restaurant with the most appealing line of cuisine, spacious benabs and boat rides.

“It is one of a kind in

tion.”

Sookraj noted that while Outback Adventures will now satisfy Berbicians, it has been built to also attract visitors from outside the ancient county.

Young businessman Havendra Sookraj

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Father of 2 killed by speeding car at EBD

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father of two was in the wee hours of Sunday killed after he was struck down by a speeding car along the Supply Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead is 34-yearold Shayne Haynes of Supply Village.

Based on reports received, the now dead man left his sister’s home about 04:00h, and as he was walking along the roadway, he was struck by a speeding car which fled the scene. The impact was loud enough to wake his neighbours who, upon checking, saw the injured man lying on the roadway.

An alarm was raised and the injured man was taken to the Diamond hospital, but was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he died while receiving medical attention.

The Police have since visited the scene and retrieved Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from a resident.

The recording is being reviewed in an attempt to identify the registration plates of the vehicle which caused the accident. Police are continuing their investigations.

Earlier in the month, Karamchand Khemraj was killed while his friend, Reaz Shaw was injured after they were struck down by a minibus

Dead: Shayne Haynes

while riding along the Annandale Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD). After hitting the two teenagers, the minibus driver continued on his way without stopping to render assistance.

Both young men were tossed off the pedal cycle they were riding and landed on the roadway.

Khemraj died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital while Shaw was admitted a patient in critical state.

However, days after the accident, the minibus was found under a tarpaulin at a house in Mon Repos, ECD. The driver has since been identified as a Chinese National.

He, along with his wife, has reportedly gone into hiding since the accident.

The Chinese Association had visited the families of the two victims and offered compensation, but it was refused.

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Amnesty International says time to make death penalty history in English-speaking C'bean

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RIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The Londonbased international human rights organisation, Amnesty International, says while it welcomes a “significant reduction” in the application of the use of the death penalty in the English-speaking Caribbean in recent years, it is urging all regional countries to abolish it.

“As the Englishspeaking Caribbean marks its first decade as an execution-free region, Amnesty International congratulates those governments who have recognised the ultimate cruelty of the death penalty and renews its calls on them and all other states that still retain this punishment to take further steps to abolish it for good,” Amnesty International said in a statement at yearend.

It said figures on the use of the death penalty in the English-speaking Caribbean indicate that there has been a significant reduction in the application of this punishment in recent years.

According to Amnesty International, only half of the 12 English-speaking Caribbean countries have imposed new death

sentences since the last man was executed in St Kitts-Nevis at the end of 2008. It said five countries — Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica and St Lucia – have commuted their remaining death sentences in in the past five years (2013-2017), reporting empty death rows and leaving a minority of countries to carry the weight of the death penalty in the Americas region, together with the United States.

A m n e s t y International said the United States has remained the only state to carry out executions, but even in the USA figures on death sentences imposed and implemented have reached historical low records.

A m n e s t y International said that as of the end of 2017, over 96 per cent of all those on death row in the English-speaking Caribbean were held in three countries alone, Barbados (13 per cent), Guyana (32 per cent) and Trinidad and Tobago (52 per cent). The three countries retain the mandatory death penalty in their legislation.

“International law prohibits the mandatory

imposition of the death penalty, as it removes from judges the possibility of considering any mitigating factors at sentencing in relation to the circumstances of the offence and of the offender.”

A m n e s t y International said that the overall decrease in the death sentences in the region fully reflects global trends on the death penalty, noting that in the past decade, 13 countries have repealed the death penalty completely from their national legislation and a

further two have become abolitionist for ordinary crimes, such as murder, retaining it only for crimes committed in exceptional circumstances.

The international human rights group notes that a recent decision by the Trinidadbased Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the highest appellate court for Barbados, shows that the momentum towards abolition is set to continue.

It said that in June 27, last year, the CCJ ruled in relation to two cases from Barbados that

Section 2 of the Offences Against the Person Act was unconstitutional because it gave judges no choice but to apply the death sentence.

“The court recommended resentencing for all cases where a death penalty sentence was initially given for murder under Section 2 of the Act. As the Parliament of Barbados continues its deliberations on draft legislation proposed in 2014, aiming at introducing judicial discretion in murder cases to comply with decisions by the Inter-American

Court of Human Rights, the death penalty in the region was handed another blow,' Amnesty International added.

It said cracks in the wall of capital punishment in the Englishspeaking Caribbean were also seen at international level in 2018.

“For the first time, two countries from the English-speaking Caribbean did not oppose a UN call for the establishment of a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty, in a historic move that further shows that global consensus is building towards ending the use of the death penalty.”

A m n e s t y International said on December 17, the UN General Assembly adopted with record-high support its seventh resolution on the issue.

“For the first time, Dominica co-sponsored and voted in favour of the resolution, and Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana abstained at the vote, in an unprecedented move that shows the perception of the death penalty in the region is changing,” Amnesty International said.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Bartica gets G$11M Water Ambulance Trinidad: Fisherman gunned down by man in camouflage that cater to cases requiring emergency intervention. These include high-risk maternity cases, accidents and emergency cases among others.

The water ambulance will simply aid in transporting those patients in need of a higher level of care.

“While this achievement is a tremendous step for the people and the health sector in region 7…

The regional hospital right here in Bartica has all the equipment, all the specialized staff and all the support staff that is able to provide medical services, at all levels, for all the people of Bartica and the adjoining communiMinister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford [standing in the boat] cut the ribbon to commission the vessel while Regional Health Officer, Dr. Edward Sagala, Director of ties.”

Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Kay Shako and His Worship Gifford Marshall Mayor of Bartica look on.

Deputy Regional Executive Officer, he Region 7 community of Bartica, Also, training for river ambulance opHolbert Knights said that after long perion Wednesday, received a newly erators have started and continues to enods of consideration, “we finally have been commissioned water ambulance. sure they effectively deliver the requisite able to get the right boat with the right The emergency water transport was services. equipment.” Regional Chairman Bradford handed over to the town by Minister of According to Regional Chairman, agreed that the commissioning of the waPublic Health, Volda Lawrence. It was Gordon Bradford, the need for the water ter ambulance is a dream come through. built by local contractor, Sunrise Marine ambulance was cited since 2006.

It was also noted that the operation of Incorporated.

During a brief commissioning ceremothe water ambulance will eliminate the The approximately G$11M water am- ny, Minister Lawrence delightfully noted need for the region to contract and rent bulance is equipped with all that is need- that it was Bartica and by extension the boats as was the norm for many years. ed for the vehicle for its use in the effec- region which made the step for the acquiWith Gratitude, Mayor of Bartica Gifford tive delivery of health care services in the sition of the water ambulance.

Marshall said, “The people of Bartica now riverine region.

She added that it will not only aid in have another reason to celebrate.”

This ambulance will mainly trans- referrals from Region 7 but also Regions He explained that over the last three port emergency cases and referrals from 2, 10 and islands in Region 3. More imyears, the region’s health sector has unBartica to Parika after which the pa- portantly, Minister Lawrence highlightdergone tremendous improvement and tient is transported from Parika to the ed that the regional hospital is staffed Bartica has benefitted significantly.

Georgetown Public Hospital. with specialists and geared with services

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(T rinidad G uardian )

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he first day of 2019 had bare­l y end­e d, but crim­ i­ n als had man­ a ged to snuff the life of an­o th­e r vic­ tim with the mur­d er of Cou­v a fish­e r­m an Samuel Sookdeo on Tues­d ay night.

Sookdeo, 31, and his friend Patrick Samuel were lim­ i ng at his rel­a t­ives’ home along Bachan Street, Union Vil­l age when a gun­ m an wear­ i ng a black jack­e t and cam­o u­f laged pants walked in­t o the street. t ance, he be­ From a dis­ gan fir­i ng at the group. They scam­p ered for safe­t y be­h ind a pick-up truck that was parked in the yard.

How­e v­e r, Sookdeo was struck in the head and chest while Patrick was hit in the back. The gun­ m an then ran off. Patrick ran home and was tak­e n to the Cou­v a Dis­ trict Health Fa­ c il­ i t­y by his wife but Sookdeo was dead with­i n min­u tes.

Rel­ a t­ives said they tried con­t act­i ng Cou­v a po­l ice, continued on page 23

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Trinidad: Army rank stabbed to Fisherman death during row at bar gunned down... A from page 22

but af­ t er no one an­ swered, they had to go to the po­l ice sta­t ion.

They said they had just fin­i shed eat­i ng din­ n er when Patrick, Samuel and three oth­ er cousins went in­ to the yard to lime. They said it ap­ p ears the gun­m an knew ex­a ct­ ly where he was go­i ng and from three hous­ es away, be­g an shoot­ ing. One of Sookdeo’s cousins was grazed by a bul­l et while run­n ing away.

When Guardian Me­d ia vis­i t­e d the house yes­t er­d ay, gun­ shot im­p res­s ions could be seen on the walls and a con­ c rete blocks that were in the yard. Rel­a­t ives said at least 20 shots were fired by the gun­ man.

Sookdeo’s cousin Rakesh Sa­ h adeo said he was in bed with his sev­e n-year-old daugh­ ter and when they shot rang out, she start­e d to scream. He im­m e­d i­a te­l y he picked her up and took cov­e r.

When he walked out­ side, Sookdeo was al­

ready dead. h adeo said it Sa­ was puz­ why z ling some­ o ne would have want­ e d him dead as there were no threats to his life and no con­ flict that his fam­ i­ ly knew about. He said Sookdeo would al­w ays be work­i ng, sell­i ng fish in his pick-up.

“Since Christ­m as, he has been lim­ i ng here com­f ort­a bly. He did not have any ar­ gu­m ent with any­o ne.

His job is on the road so he is ac­c us­t omed to deal­i ng with peo­p le.

To me he was good and he used to work re­a l­ly hard as a fish­ er­m an. He had a step­ child and he used to take care of her so he was al­w ays buy­i ng i ng goods,” and sell­ Sa­h adeo said.

On Tues­ d ay morn­ ing, Daniel Ma­ h abir, 55, a street dwell­ er was found dead at Suck a Sweet­ i e Old Met­a l and Ma­r ine Stores scrap yard in Sea Lots. His head was bashed in by a con­c rete slab.

lieutenant at­ tached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was on Sunday evening stabbed to death at a bar in Corentyne, Berbice.

Dead is Mark Begot, 26, of Lot 21 Philippi Village, Corentyne.

Reports are the inci­ dent stemmed from an argument over who pays for Guinness as the sol­ dier was among two oth­ ers drinking at a bar.

Begot, who has been with the GDF for almost four years, was home for the holidays. The mur­ der occurred at a bar, which is a stone’s throw away from the soldier’s home.

According to reports, the now dead soldier was at the bar with a friend drinking Guinness, when the alleged suspect walked in and joined them.

The owner of the bar, Ganishwar Garbaran told Guyana Times International that short­ ly after 20:00h the sus­ pect joined Begot and his friend.

“They get a next boy come from Black Bush [Polder], the man name “Son”, so when he come

Dead: GDF rank Mark Begot

in, the soldier boy ask him to buy two Guinness.

The man called for three bottles of Guinness; one for he and the two for the soldier boy and his friend,” Garbaran said.

The businessman re­ lated that the men were seated at the same ta­ ble and after some time, Begot left and went to a house next to the bar.

Begot reportedly re­ turned to the bar and offered the suspect a Guinness, but he refused it.

“The boy say he don’t want anything, whatever

he called for he will pay for,” the businessman related. He added that Begot then ordered a drink for the suspect, but the man insisted that he wanted nothing and was going to pay for whatev­ er was initially request­ ed.

“The two start getting a talking, finger point­ ing… I don’t know if this Black Bush boy use a word that offend the sol­ dier boy, but bottles start pelting… The other boy, Sherman, he pull back the soldier boy.”

Garbaran said he too

tried to make peace by shouting at them from behind the counter.

However, the argu­ ment continued between the two men.

Garbaran said the suspect had a knife, but he could not see when Begot was stabbed.

“The third time he go to come inside, he pick up a stool and when he turn around is then I see blood. He start coming inside with the stool and then he drop it and fall down,” he related.

Begot was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital and was trans­ ferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he died while re­ ceiving medical treat­ ment.

Meanwhile, the sus­ pect sought refuge with the bar owner, who re­ fused to assist him.

Begot leaves to mourn his parents and a sister.

The suspect has since gone into hiding as Police probe the matter.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff and the officers and ranks of the GDF expressed their con­ dolences to the family and friends of the late Lieutenant Mark Begot.

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Wanted man gunned down in front of city hotel

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man who was allegedly wanted by Canadian authorities was in the wee hours of Sunday killed execution style in front of a popular hotel at Forshaw Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.

Dead is 37-year-old Sean Allistair O’Brien Greene of Alberttown and formerly of Number 78 Village, Springlands, Corentyne, Berbice.

Initial reports indicated that Greene was standing in front of the hotel with a few of his friends about 04:00h when a man walked up to him, pulled out a weapon, and pumped several bullets into his body. The shooter then quickly left the scene.

Greene was reportedly rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dead: Sean Greene

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage obtained by Guyana Times International; however, showed Greene was sitting in front of the

hotel on a chair and another person was standing beside him.

The recording showed the duo was engaged in conversation when the

perpetrator strolled up to them from the eastern side of Forshaw Street.

Prior to opening fire upon Greene, the suspect, who was clad in a black long pants, light-coloured jersey and hat, apparently said something. He then began shooting at Greene which caused the other male to run for cover.

After being shot, Greene fell out of the chair and onto the ground. In addition, the CCTV footage showed that the shooter ran away from the scene.

After the gunman left, a large crowd gathered and a dying Greene with several bullets to his body, including one to his face, was left lying on the roadway in front of the hotel for a long time.

He was later picked up and rushed to the hospital, but by that time, it was too late.

When this newspaper visited the scene later in the morning, persons were present there, but remained tight-lipped about the shooting incident.

Bloodstains were seen in front of the hotel along with a bullet-riddled chair. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports indicated that Greene was

The hotel where the shooting took place

wanted in Canada in connection with the murder of a 42-year-old Toronto resident which occurred in September last.

The man identified as “Chad Day” was discovered lying in a driveway on West Lodge Avenue near Lansdowne Avenue and Queen Street West, Parksdale, Toronto with injuries to his body suspected to be from a fall.

Two men were arrested in connection with

the incident, but a third suspect was still being sought by the Canadian authorities. The photograph that was released by the Canadian authorities was that of a man who bore a close resemblance to Greene.

Further, unconfirmed reports also alleged that Greene was deported from the United States of America. The Police are continuing their hunt for the suspect.

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Yolander Persaud reflects on 2018 – focuses on what 2019 holds

By Timothy Jaikarran

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lready creating history in the nation of Guyana, Attorneyat-Law and Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) Vice President Yolander Persaud has been reflecting on her successful 2018 season as well as focusing upon 2019 and what it holds for her.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, Persaud stated that her year has been rather eventful, since she has now become one of the first Guyanese women to be elected to serve on a Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) Commission.

At the 89th Chess Congress in Batumi, Georgia, the General Assembly elected her as one of five members to serve on the Ethics Commission for the period 2018 to 2022.

Persaud said, “I got fifth in the first Women’s Championship Guyana ever held.

Then I went on to win the May Women’s Championship with a perfect score. My performance secured my place on the National Female Team for the 2018 Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia.

Upon being awarded a Chevening Scholarship from the British High

Commission to pursue my LLM in Oil and Gas Law at the University of Aberdeen in June, I withdrew from the team. However, I attended the 89th FIDE Congress in Batumi, Georgia where I was elected by the General Assembly to serve on the FIDE Ethics Commission – the ethics, constitutional and verification commissions, which need elected member by the General Assembly, is one of the only two commissions in FIDE where the members must be elected by the General Assembly with at least a 50 per cent vote. I was at that time one of two women on the Commission, but, unfortunately, the other woman recently passed away, I was confirmed out of 14 other nominees.”

According to Persaud, her work with the Commission has begun and they have been deliberating on a few cases already through correspondence and are set to meet early in 2019, in Europe.

She went on to state that her goals for 2019 are to execute her duties with fairness and in line with the FIDE Code of Ethics and laws of chess, and work to build chess in Guyana, particularly women’s chess.

Kallicharran hailed for making Queen’s honours list

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pon being awarded with the prestigious British Empire Medal in the Queen’s 2019 honours list, Alvin Kallicharran is being praised for his efforts and contributions in the cricketing fraternity.

As such, the executive committee and membership of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) have extended heartfelt congratulations to the Guyanese cricket stalwart.

The Medal of the Order of the British Empire was first established in 1917, along with the Order of the British Empire. The medal was part of the Order and could be awarded for either meritorious service or for gallantry. It was awarded to 2015 people, 800 of whom were from foreign countries. In 1922, the original medal was discontinued and split into two separate honours, which still formed part of the Order of the British Empire. These two honours are known as the Medal of the Order of the British Empire for Meritorious Service (usually referred to as British Empire Medal, BEM) and the Medal of the Order of the British Empire for Gallantry (usually referred to as Empire Gallantry Medal, EGM).

Alvin Kallicharran was born on March 21, 1949. Hailing from the small village of Port Mourant in Berbice, he debuted for Guyana at the tender age of 17 against the Windwards in Grenada and in 1972 against New Zealand at Bourda for the West Indies. Kallicharran has had a very long and distinguished career that produced close to 50,000 runs in Test, ODI, First Class and List A cricket during his career. He has represented Guyana, West Indies, Warwickshire, Transvaal, Orange Free State and Queensland during his career. His Test career spanned the period 1972 to 1981 and he represented the West Indies during the transformational period in the late 1970s when they indisputably became the best team in the world. He was part of the Windies team that won the very first two World Cups played in London.

He played in 66 Test matches and scored 4399 Test runs with 12 centuries and 21 fifties.

For eight of those fifties, he got out in the 90s and could easily have made 20 centuries in that space of time.

Kallicharran is well remembered for his onslaught against the great Dennis Lillee in the 11th match of the inaugural World Cup in England 1975 where he literally decimated him for 35 runs off just 10 deliveries. This stat compares very favourably with top T20 strike rates. He was equally at home against spin and pace and was described by Clive Lloyd as one of the most complete batsmen of his time and possibly of all time.

Kallicharran captained the West Indies team for two series against Australia and in India, where he scored his highest Test innings of 187.

He joined Warwickshire in 1971 playing for their second XI, but quickly advanced to the first XI the following year; his playing career lasted well into the late 80s. He possibly had his best year in 1983 when he was the only cricketer on the county circuit to score over 2000 runs in the season with eight centuries, three of which were double hundreds. Quite justifiably, Kallicharran was named one of Wisden’s five crick-

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eters of the year in 1983.

This legend has also contributed immensely to charities, having taken part Alvin Isaac Kallicharran and organised matchfunds for cancer awarees in various parts of ness. the world. Along with It is without a shadSunil Gavaskar, he or- ow of a doubt that this esganised a charity match teemed son of our soil has in which India played fully displayed the everthe Rest of World XI in lasting qualities of hu1997 for the Sri Satya mility and service to huSai Baba entity and mankind. His love and Sachin Tendulkar par- dedication for the game ticipated. Kallicharran of cricket had translated has supported numer- into immense pleasure ous other charity events and happiness for milsuch as the Indian Ocean lions around the world Disaster Relief, the during his professional Oracle Head and Neck career, and he has more Cancer Research Trust than adequately contriband has participated in uted to his sterling repuother charitable matches tation and service beyond when he worked for the the boundary in other Lashings World XI dur- charitable causes. ing the period 2001-2009.

As the GCB in a stateIn 2006, he was a part of ment said, “The entire ‘The Sports Relief’, which country is united in its raised over £16 million. pride and joy for this He was also a part of the richly justifiable recognigroup that rendered as- tion of the British Empire sistance in 2004 to the Medal Award onto Alvin tsunami victims and has Isaac Kallicharran in participated in the annu- the Queen’s honours list al PM John Major char- for 2019. Do continue to ity match, which raises make us proud!”

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Fangs bared…

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…by PNC

our Eyewitness is still mulling over what’s behind the PNC ripping off the mask it had so painstakingly created and donned to convince Guyanese – and more importantly, the diplomatic community – it had changed violent stripes. He understood the need for the makeover.

The world had moved on from the Cold War days when the West routinely overlooked the excesses of tin-pot dictators. Theodore Roosevelt’s retort when a Latin American ally was criticised: “he’s a son of a bitch; but he’s our son of a bitch”, is emblematic.

In fact, as in Guyana with the PNC, they actively encouraged thuggish and violent behaviour and even facilitated it. The problem today is, the core of the PNC still has a living memory of what got them into power in the first place and when under threat, this element is always ready to reassert itself. Robert Corbin, who in many respects epitomised the “strongman” element, has to be given credit for committing political hara-kiri when he backed David Granger as party leader against his former protégé Aubrey Norton.

With his avuncular and benign image, while a dyed-in-the-wool PNCite, being out of the day-to-day functioning of the PNC party and its modus operandi, Granger could get away with the strategy of projecting a “kinder, gentler” PNC. And he did so to such an extent, he actually was allowed to hide the beloved PNC brand within APNU!! The problem was, Granger went about downgrading the PNC-die-hards as he placed his squaddies from the Disciplined Forces in almost all the strategic State institutions.

The hard-line PNCites tried to dig in their heels against their peripheralisation, but lacked the mechanism to seize control of the party without splitting their base, which was convinced that Granger was the best thing since sliced bread!! He’d recaptured power, hadn’t he?? But what the no-confidence loss has done is to give them an issue to rally their troops. The quick acceptance of the results of the noconfidence vote by Nagamootoo – who’s not even a “born PNC” – and Volda Lawrence was a godsend to them.

With Granger – who’d gone along with the latter – out of the jurisdiction and ailing to boot, the hardline PNCites saw an opening and seized the moment.

They knew the ordinary PNC members, especially the lumpen elements in Georgetown, were chomping on the bits for a chance to flex their muscles. Their lot hadn’t improved under the PNC-led Government, but here was a chance to take out their frustrations on their old nemesis – the PPP! It’s against this background, “strongman” Aubrey Norton was dragged out from under the rock where he’d been living for the past three years to become the face of the PNC. The mask is off! …in Norton’s narrative Norton didn’t realise the Freudian slip he committed when responding to the question about the absent PNC “leaders”. Asserting they had a “plethora” of leaders, Norton said, “We are not averse to the one-man show that is Jagdeo“!! Meaning the PNC approves of “one man” leadership – epitomised, of course, by Forbes Burnham!! The two faceless PNC functionaries who flanked Norton certainly proved the point, since they just mutely nodded and smirked throughout the presser!!

Norton said nothing new or substantive, but it was the pugnaciousness of the incendiary rhetoric, delivered with his “game face”, that conveyed the PNC message. As he emphasised, “You’re dealing with a political issue, and not dealing with political priests…”.

Thuggery was back!! The boast: “In any election the APNU/AFC coalition can defeat the PPP”, sounded hollow amidst his frantic delaying tactics!!

The personalising of the PNC’s attack against Jagdeo and his “criminal PPP cabal” to ensure “Guyana does not fall back into their hands” reveals the narrative the PNC will play to energise the base.

Guyana is only for the PNC!! …by Venezuela What’s tragic is the old-guard PNCites are widening fissures in our society rather than bringing it together, even as Venezuela has launched a new attack on our sovereignty.

They’d cut Guyana’s face to spite the PPP.

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YEAR in Review 33

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

ExxonMobil makes another Firm to valuate GuySuCo blacklisted in India Wash bay attendant first major oil find in Guyana - fined, handed two year ban by regulator for alleged fraud road fatality for 2018 - NICIL says firm to commence JANUARY

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slam Baksh, 24, of Lot 65 La Grange Old Road, West Bank Demerara was marked as the country’s first road fatality when he died following an accident on January 1. Baksh was a passenger of motorcar HC 7477 driven by 42-year-old Vijay Bidoor of Goed Fortuin. Amanda Rickyram,28, of Unity Street, La Grange, WBD; Gobin Dannyram,29,of 225 Goed Fortuin, WBD; and Diana Chand,19, of Cemetery Road, Georgetown were all passengers of the same car proceeding south along the Meer-Zorgen Public Road when HB 4105, proceeding in the opposite direction drove into their

I path and collided with them.

They all sustained serious injuries and wwere rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where Baksh died while receiving medical attention.

n what was described as its second biggest single oil reservoir find to date in Guyana’s waters, ExxonMobil has announced the discovery of 230 feet of high quality oil in its Ranger-1 well within the Stabroek Block, early January. The company has stated that the well was at the time being

drilled by the Stena Carron drillship.

Work on the Ranger-1 well had started last November and it was drilled to over 6,000 feet before Exxon made its discovery.

The well is 60 miles North West of the Liza phase one project.

The discovery of oil in this well is Exxon’s sixth in local waters since 2015.

It is estimated that all these discoveries add up to more than 3.2 billion recoverable oil-equivalent barrels.

Signed oil agreement makes Govt look ‘silly’ – Gaskin Pensioner killed by speeding car

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oyclyn Joseph, 72, of YY Bent Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown was killed on January 2 after she was struck down by a speeding car on Brickdam, Georgetown, while on her way to uplift her pension from the Bourda Post Office. Police investigations revealed that motorcar PLL 2838 driven by a 35-year-old labourer of ‘A’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was proceeding east along Brickdam Public Road, allegedly at a fast rate, in anticipation of passing the stop light at the intersection of Winter Place. The light

was reportedly showing “green” with a few seconds remaining.

However, as the car sped across the intersection, it came into contact with the elderly woman, who was said to be crossing the road from south to north. As a result of the impact, she was reportedly dragged about 39 meters before the vehicle came to a halt some 158 meters from the point of impact, investigators recorded. Joseph’s left foot has been severed as a result of the accident. She was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

Controversial US$18M singing bonus

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s part of the new agreement signed with U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil, the Natural Resources Minister will have to file for the company’s tax returns with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), something outspoken political analyst and economist, Ramon Gaskin has described as ‘foolish.’

According to Gaskin, this agreement which the Government signed onto makes them look silly in the eyes of many and only puts the Minister

(Raphael Trotman) in a bad situation, where he now becomes the company’s ‘water boy,’ who has to provide a receipt of payment to the company at the end.

The new contract states that ExxonMobil and its partners shall provide the Minister with its income tax returns to be submitted by the Minister to the Commissioner General, GRA, so the Minister can pay income tax on behalf of ExxonMobil and its partners as provided under Article 15.4.

Rose Hall sugar workers protest for severance pay

Monies to remain in private account – Harmon

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espite numerous calls for Government to transfer the controversial US$18M signing bonus received from Exxon Mobil and placed in a private bank account, to the Consolidated Fund, the Government remains firm on its position to keep the monies in that account for a bit longer.

State Minister Joseph Harmon told Guyana Times on January 3 that Cabinet has not deliberated on whether to have the

monies transferred yet, reiterating that there was a purpose for which these monies were not placed into the Consolidated Fund and that has to do with the border dispute with Venezuela.

After admitting that Government had received a signing bonus from ExxonMobil and its partners more than a year ago and never disclosed this to the public, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman said that the bonus was intended to be used for legal fees pertaining to the preservation of Guyana’s territorial integrity, should its case with Venezuela reach the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

But when the oil contract was released to the general public, ExxonMobil clarified that the US$18 million bonus paid to the Government was meant to secure a 10year extension of the renegotiated contract.

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rate workers attached to the former Rose Hall Sugar Estate on January 9 braved the inclement weather to protest for their severance payment as they demanded that the Government get its act together.

Eight hundred and fifty workers whose last day of employment was December 29, on Tuesday

protested the non-payment of millions of dollars which are collectively owed to them by the David Granger Administration and the Guyana Sugar Corporation.

A one-minute of silence was held in honour of the two former workers who took their lives after being sent home.

Estates closure

Dismissed sugar workers to be given 50 % severance pay this month …other half by year end

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overnment had announced, on January 10, that it will pay 50 per cent of the severance benefits to dismissed sugar workers by the end of this month. This commitment represents over $2B in severance payments. The announcement

was made in Parliament when Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, read a statement from President David Granger.

However, he said that the remainder will be paid in the second half of the year.

work in Guyana shortly

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ricewaterhouse Coopers, the international audit firm selected by the coalition government to valuate Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) multibillion dollar assets, has actually been banned from auditing listed companies in India due to its alleged involvement in fraud.

According to a report originating from international news agency Reuters, the company was handed

the two year ban in January for allegedly overstating earnings and assets for Indian Software Company, Satyam Computer Services.

The report states that Pricewaterhouse was the audit firm at the time the more than $1B fraud occurred. It was founder of the company, Ramalinga Raju, who blew the whistle on the fraud in 2009, costing shareholders billions and shaking the industry.

High drama: NBS shuts down during 6-hour standoff with Police

…as marshals move to execute High Court order …managers, security guards arrested …bank settles $59M payment

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t was high drama outside New Building Society (NBS) as attempts to execute a High Court order on the entity’s properties resulted in a standoff between lawyers, bank officials and the Police.

Lawyers for litigant Maurice Arjoon, accompanied by High Court Marshals, descended on New Building Society to levy for a $59M court awarded judgement.

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fter years of mediation, the United Nations (UN) has finally moved to send the on-going border controversy between Guyana and neighbouring Venezuela to the International Court of Justice (ICJ); an outcome which Guyana has long been calling for.

According to the UN’s Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric,

What followed after was a protracted standoff from out of a movie, a Police officer, a Court Marshal and civilians were locked in the banking institution.

This situation necessitated the involvement of Deputy Commander of ‘A’ Division and Senior Superintendent of Police, Wendell Blanhum, as well as other high-ranking Police ranks.

the decision came after careful analysis of the good offices process. Dujarric explained in a statement that enough progress was not made towards a solution on the controversy. As a result, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres referred the matter to the ICJ. This is in accordance with the framework left by his predecessor, Ban Ki Moon.

34 YEAR IN REVIEW

Revaluation of GuySuCo pension fund need to determine status – CEO …fund has been destabilized – source …Hand-in-Hand Insurance tightlipped

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hile there have been major concerns regarding the status of the Guyana Sugar Corporation

(GuySuCo) Pension Fund, which is said to be at a crisis level, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Paul Bhim has defended his company stating that there have been certain mistruths about the fund.

Bhim told Guyana Times that there are currently two pension funds for sugar workers, one which is for all unionized employees which is fully funded by GuySuCo, and another for senior staff. In the case of the general employees’ fund, Hand and Hand Trust Corporation is the trustee.

Appointment of Chancellor, CJ

Opposition Leader rejects President’s nominees – Greenlights persons for integrity commission

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

No review of ExxonMobil contract Minister admits to

– President Granger says

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ust over one week after Presidential Adviser on Petroleum, Dr. Jan Mangal, said that the government can review and renegotiate the Production Sharing Agreement with ExxonMobil, President David Granger said that Cabinet does not intend to do such at this time.

He noted that the PSA is currently engaging the attention of Cabinet and a decision would be made.

– Say its Govt way or no way while denying personally instructing police

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Govt releases CGX oil contract

…Guyana gets 1% royalty, 53% profit sharing

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eeks after its own self-imposed deadline expired, the Guyana Government has begun the process of releasing the contracts between the state and other oil companies - beginning with Canadian company CGX Resources Incorporated.

Under the Article 11 ‘Cost Recovery and Production sharing’ heading of the contract, the Government agreed

to a one per cent royalty.

In addition, a 53 per cent share of profit oil and gas; after recoverable costs have been satisfied was negotiated. This is providing the company moves from exploration to production.

Govt collects over $1B in environmental tax …no concrete plans outlined for usage of fund

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has rejected the appointment of Justice Kenneth Benjamin as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards as Chief Justice following their nomination by President David Granger.

In a letter dispatched to the media

and addressed to the President, Jagdeo said, “I have duly considered the two (2) nominees for whom you seek my agreement for appointment as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice, respectively, in accordance with Article 127 (1) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

Hijacking ring busted: Ex-cop, 4 women nabbed with stolen cars

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anks of the Guyana Police Force made inroads in the carjacking network, arresting seven persons after a quantity car parts and vehicles were found as they swoop down on two separate houses.

In the first instance, acting on information received, a group of officers from ‘A’ Division (East Bank Demerara) went to a property at Monument Hill, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, and conducted a search.

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he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has managed to rake in close to $1.2 billion in environmental taxes as of the end of last year, ever since its implementation on February 1, 2017.

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This was confirmed by Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GuySuCo, Paul Bhim, who told this newspaper that this new increase was implemented early in February.

This is according to Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, who told this newspaper that companies are generally compliant with this relatively new tax.

ne day after the Coalition Government was accused of blocking and sabotaging the annual flag-raising ceremony of the Corriverton Town Council, Minister Amna Ally has admitted that she was responsible for causing this event to be cancelled even while preparations were already made.

The senior Government minister told Guyana Times on Sunday that flag raising ceremonies are national events organised by the Government.

She noted that there are also committees set up in the various regions which hold responsibility for planning and executing these events.

ExxonMobil discovers more oil offshore Guyana

…as Trotman to stripped of responsibility for oil …dept of energy to be created under Ministry of the Presidency

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xxonMobil has discovered oil in a new well offshore Guyana. This announcement was made during Cabinet’s discussions where it was also disclosed that Government plans to strip away the responsibility for the oil sector from Natural Resources Minister

Raphael Trotman.

Immediately following the conclusion of Cabinet discussions, Trotman informed the media that he would in the coming months no longer have responsibility for the oil sector, a role he has faced much criticism about.

Police accused of beating Enterprise man, residents

Govt to borrow $15B to reopen Skeldon, Enmore estates

…says privatization proceeds from sale to repay bank loans

Price for sugar increased by 5 %

ocal consumers will now have to pay more for sugar, as the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has moved to increase the cost of each bag of sugar on the local market.

blocking Corriverton flag-raising ceremony

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s part of plans to temporarily reopen two sugar estates, Government has

now made a decision to borrow between over $15 billion which it hopes to repay over the next three to five years.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan said Wednesday that that money will be used specifically to fund the operations of the Skeldon and Enmore sugar estates, which is likely to reemploy some workers.

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esidents of the East Coast Demerara village of Enterprise are accusing ranks of the Vigilance Police Station of brutality following an incident which saw officers excessively beating an allegedly unarmed man while facing off with residents.

Police have since refuted claims made by the

residents by saying they were compelled to use “excessive” force after being attacked first.

Guyana Times was told that at least five residents of Enterprise had to seek medical attention after being released from custody late Monday night, following an encounter with Police ranks.

YEAR in Review 35

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Pensioner stabbed to Father drowns while WCD/EBE flooding, 300 death in WBD home trying to save children residents affected

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onster waves of the agitated Atlantic Ocean demolish a part of the sea defence structure on March 3 and rush invasively into sections of West Coast Demerara/ East Bank Essequibo, flattening fences, confiscating bridges, ransacking homes, and destroying cash crop and poultry enterprises as flood waters besiege hapless communities leaving some 300 resident affected by the tidal phenomenon.

Areas such as Leonora, MetenMeer-Zorg, Uitvulgt, Stewartville, Windor Forest, West Coast Demerara (WCD) along with residents of Zeelught, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) were affected.

Displaced residents in some area had to be relocated in community centres as Government worked to have their homes cleaned and repaired.

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he community of Belle West, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was plunged into a state of shock after the body of 68-year-old pensioner, Ursilla Padarta called “Data” was found in her Lot 566 Belle West, Canal Number Two Polder, with a stab wound to her head and one to her neck.

The discovery was made some time after 07:00h by a carpenter who had returned to discuss the construction of a septic tank that the woman planned on doing.

According to the Police, the woman was murdered with an icepick which they found in her home.

3 bandits shot 30 homeless as fire destroys while attempting to 4 Pike street homes rob bank customer

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everal families were rudely awakened from their early morning slumber when a fire raged through four houses in Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, razing three to the ground and destroying another leaving some 30 persons homeless.

According to the Police the fire had start-

ed at around 03:00h in the Lot 185 Pike Street apartment of Oswald Layne. The buildings destroyed were located at Lot 185 and 191 Pike Street.

The Social Protection Ministry after assessing the situation had provided supplies for the victims as well as alternative living arrangements.

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hemently denied the accusations on numerous occasions but did admit to having sexual relations with two former students who are now both in their early 20s.

Linden businessman killed during robbery

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Linden shop owner, 53 year old Romel Gomes, called “Eddie”, of Buck Hill, Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden, was

travelling capsized in the Kamarang River.

Benjie who was at the time returning from his farm, managed to save the children by subsequently went under the water.

Six homeless as Mabaruma house goes up in flames

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family of six were left without a roof over their heads after their Mabaruma Settlement , Barima Waini home went up in flames.

The owner of the two storey wooden house Elaine Sam had left the home to take food for her

husband who was working a farm some distance away sending her four children to fetch water.

However upon their return, they were greeted by thick smoke emanating from the property.

The fire was reportedly started by a stove which was left alight.

Pensioner killed in bath settlement accident

Former bishop teacher remanded on rape charge hirty nine year old former Bishops’ High School teacher, Coen Jackson was arraigned after he was charged with the rape of an underage girl.

Charges were instituted against Jackson after three months of being implicated in a sex scandal which alleged that he had been sexually involved with students Jackson however, ve-

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he man, 43 year old Larchman Benjie, a farmer of Waramadong Village in Region Seven was attempting to save the lives of his children ages two and three after a boat in which they were

found dead at his place of business with a gunshot wound to his head and his throat slit after his home was invaded by bandits.

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hree suspected bandits were killed in a shootout with Police ranks at the Kingston Seawall opposite the Guyana National Service Ground in Georgetown as they were reportedly attempting to rob a customer who they had trailed from a city bank. Those killed were 46-yearold Dextroy Cordis, also known as “Dutty,” a resident of Grove, East Bank Demerara; Kwame Assanah of Buxton, East Coast Demerara; and 57-yearold Errol Adams, also known as “Dynamite”, of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast and of Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

The Police had reported that ranks perform-

ing duties in the vicinity of Scotiabank on Robb Street, Georgetown when they observed a motorcar with two suspicious looking characters prowling the area. Those ranks followed the black Toyota IST motorcar, PTT 9034, which at the time was observed following a customer who had just exited the bank.

This car reportedly drove up to the customer’s vehicle and two men exited, one brandishing a small firearm at the customer. The Police acted swift and alerted the men to their presents who opened fire. The ranks took cover and returned fire killing three of the bandits while on escaped.

Teenager fatally stabbed at Barima River

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ighteen-year-old Lawrence Leon, a labourer of Kariabo, Barima River, was stabbed to his upper back by the suspect, 22-year-old Eon Charles.

Based on reports, the suspect, along with his wife and Lawrence, was consuming alcohol when an argument ensued.

During the argument, the now dead man stabbed the suspect to the left hand with a knife and in retaliation; the suspect armed himself with a lance and stabbed the now dead man to the upper back. Both men were rushed to the hospital where Lawrence succumbed to his injuries.

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pensioner, Majeed Indraneah 68, of Lot 561 Bath Referendum, West Coast Berbice lost his life when he when he came into the path of a lorry along the Bath Public Road, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice).

Indraneah was at the time said to be attempting to cross the road.

The man, who worked as a Drainage and Irrigation employee with the Neighbourhood

Democratic Council (NDC), did not sleep at his home in an attempt to escape attacks by villagers.

Wife, friend gets death penalty for killing of husband

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e m w a t t i e Abdulla also known as “Annie” and her friend, Seerojini Permaul, known as “Usha”, murdered Abdool Shakeel Majid in 2012, whose battered body was discovered on the Number 63 beach, Corentyne on April 26, 2012 and were both sentenced to death by Justice Sandhil Kissoon at the High Court in the Berbice Assizes.

Majid and his wife Abdulla had arrived in Guyana back in April 2012, with the intention of spending a twoweek vacation. However, five days after coming

to Guyana, Majid’s battered body with the scalp missing was found on the beach.

By then, Abdulla had returned to the United States of America, where she is a resident and had informed relatives of the deceased that her husband was enjoying himself in Suriname and that he had urged her to return home as her daughter was ill.

It was a relative of the dead man who found his suitcase and other personal belongings including his passport at a house and the Police began a probe.

36 YEAR IN REVIEW

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

2 teens, mother charged for Guyanese miners at mercy killing Berbice security guard

of ruthless Sindacto gangs

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iners operating in the Upper Cuyuni River say they are at the mercy of the ruthless Sandicato Gang as they begged the Government to provide escort services as they traverse the river following attacks by members of the said Gang.

According to the miners in their appeal for help, the situation is hampering their businesses. They claim that members of the Venezuela-based Sindicato Gang have set up a camp about three miles below Eteringbang on the Cuyuni River and is stopping all boats (both Venezuelan and

Guyanese), demanding gold and cash for fuel, ration and so on that are being transported for their operations.

“This Sindicato Gang is heavily armed and would fire at our boats if we do not stop. They also have boats and would drive up to us if we do not stop,” the miners complained.

They also noted that there is another group of members from the Sindicato Gang that has recently set us base at Butanamo about 20 miles further down the Cuyuni and have begun to do the same to persons traversing the river.

GDF Captain kills girlfriend, surrenders

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Reona Payne and Captain Orwain Sandy in happier times

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain has been arrested following a shooting which resulted in the death of his girlfriend in Alexander Village, Georgetown.

Dead is Reona Payne.

According to reports received, at around 11:00h, the couple was in a car bearing registration number PWW 7163, proceed-

ing along First Street, Alexander Village.

Subsequently, residents of the area heard the now dead woman and the GDF Captain Orwain Sandy arguing, after which she was reportedly seen exiting the vehicle.

Sandy then followed her carrying a loaded firearm and discharged several rounds at her killing her instantly.

Gunmen invade Cuyuni mining camp …kills miner, escapes with 100 ounces of gold

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D o m i n i c a n Republic national was shot and killed on April 6 when a group of armed, masked bandits invaded a mining camp at Cuyuni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Dead is 55-year-old Pedro Pablo Rosario, a night supervisor at the camp located at Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni, River. The incident occurred at about 02:00h.

According reports, Rosario along with four other workers were on duty while the other workers were at the dredge, which was about 30 feet away, the gunmen pounced on them.

This newspaper understands that the owner of the camp reportedly told investigators that a total of 100 ounces of raw gold were on the mats to settle.

GuySuCo $30B bond interest rate pegged at 4.75 %

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uyana will have to repay approximately 4.75 per cent interest on the whopping $30 billion bond it secured recently to revitalise the operations of the three estates which fall under the management of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) or all of the assets and companies owned by the National Industrial Commercial

and Investment Limited (NICIL) could be lost.

A source close to the Finance Ministry’s Special Purposes Unit (SPU) told Guyana Times that while the interest rates secured would appear to be very favourable, the implications of failing to consistently repay the bond and related interest rates would be dire.

Two teenagers and the mother of one of them were on Friday remanded to prison for the murder of a Corentyne, Berbice security guard.

Carlos Ballers, 19, of Williamsburg and Yuvraj Singh, 17, of Guava Bush, Albion Front appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh at the Albion Magistrate’s Court. The

two were jointly charged.

Also charged was Lalita Ballers of Section E Port Mourant. However, she was charged separately also for murder.

The three are accused of killing Munisperen Iyasammy Monien of Lot 45 Clifton, Port Mourant, Corentyne during the course of a robbery on March 31.

Jailed: Mother to serve 98 years for killing children

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wenty-five-yearold Hofoswana Awena Rutherford, who was found guilty of killing her two children by poisoning them with carbon tablets, was sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh to 98 years’ imprisonment on two counts of manslaughter.

On the first count, killing of four-yearold Hodascia Codogan, Rutherford was sentenced to 45 years’ jail; while on the second count, killing of oneyear-old Jabari Codogan, she was ordered to serve 53 years’ jail time.

The jury believed the State’s evidence that the mother had given each of her children half of a tablet of aluminium phosphide on March 27, 2014 at Supply Branch Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

Govt admits economic growth lowest in 5 years

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n the heels of a report by Guyana Times, the Government has admitted that Guyana’s macroeconomic outlook for 2017 turned out to be worse than projected, with a 2.1 growth rate being recorded.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan made this admission during a press conference at his Ministry.

Revealing that the 2017 end of year economic report has been completed, he linked the dismal figures to sectors including sugar.

“The economy did not perform as robust as we expected during last year,” the Minister admitted.

“Even at the half year we

were predicting that the economy would not, given what we knew about sugar. At the end of the day, it was even worse than we predicted. So even though there was positive growth last year, the growth rate ended up being 2.1 per cent.”

Previously, Jordan had said the economy was expected to grow by 2.9 per cent, failing to meet the revised growth projection of 3.1 per cent for 2017. The initial projected growth of the economy was 3.8 per cent. This was, however, revised by midyear to 3.1 per cent after the economy only grew by 2.2 per cent by July.

Drug shortage forces doctors, nurses to sit-in at Skeldon Hospital

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octors and nurses at Skeldon Hospital staged a sit-in and refused to see patients. Their drastic action came as a result of shortages of drugs and lack of basic equipment

for them to carry out their duties. Since they had no tools to down, the staff at the Accident and Emergency Unit simply refused to see patients who turned up at the facility.

Bank of Guyana gold reserves plummet

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he Bank of Guyana’s latest Statement of Assets and Liabilities are out and it shows that the bank’s total assets are on a slide, with several indices ranging from the bank’s gold holdings to its market securities showing reductions when compared to previous years.

The statement was only recently released.

According to the bank document, its total assets as of March 28, 2018,

were $206.4 billion. This includes $1.9 billion in gold reserves, $82.1 billion in capital market securities and $5.6 billion in money market securities.

This is a reduction from the gold reserves the bank recorded in June 2017. According to the bank’s Half Year report last year, it had $4.8 billion worth of gold in its foreign holdings as assets.

Region 5 driver given free housing, handpicked for promotion - PAC hears

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uestionable employment practises in Region Five and suspicious privileges and responsibilities being afforded to one of the region’s drivers were put under the microscope during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing.

Appearing before the PAC was Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ovid Morrison. He was made to account for the def-

erential treatment of his driver, who was provided with housing at the region’s expense despite not being entitled to such.

Questions were also raised about the “heavy duty driver” being promoted to transport officer. The position was not advertised, despite express instructions from the Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Service department that this be done.

Govt launches scathing attacks against Indigenous leaders

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he Government of Guyana accused the country’s independent National Toshaos Council (NTC) of disrespecting President David Granger as it launched a scathing attack on several vocal Indigenous representatives who were not towing the line but exposing serious malpractices of the current A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government.

In a scathing attack on the NTC and its Vice President, Lennox Shuman,

the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry accused the Council of being confrontational, demanding and disrespectful in their writings to President David Granger.

The Ministry said it has observed a trend of public posturing by NTC executives and Shuman in particular, stating that the NTC executive has so far not distanced itself from what they described as rather divisive, disingenuous and sometimes incoherent statements being made by these officials.

2 Government Ministers facing misconduct, corruption charges

Public Health Minister Volda Lawerence

Social Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton

rivate criminal charges of financial misconduct and corruption were instituted against two senior Peoples National Congress officials and A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change Government Minister serving with President David Granger’s Cabinet.

The Ministers who are facing the private action are Public Health Minister Volda Lawerence and Social Cohesion Minister

Dr George Norton who also served as Guyana’s Health Minister after Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), Bishop Juan Edghill and Vickram Bharrat filed a criminal case at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The matter which was heard before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan saw Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall representing on behalf of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) ministers.

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Criminal charges filed against 3 more Govt minsters

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he Opposition moved to the courts and filed charges against three ministers in the coalition Government in relation to the controversial D’Urban Park project.

These private criminal charges were filed against Finance Minister, Winston Jordan; Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson and Public Service Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, as the attorney and Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Juan Edghill as an applicant.

The charges against the ministers alleged breach of the Procurement Act, in re-

lation to the expenditure of $906 million in public funds to a private company, Homestretch Development Inc for the construction of the controversial D’Urban Park project which has been a contentious issue for some time now.

Jordan and Patterson have been jointly charged with misconduct and abuse of public trust for having allegedly authorised the payment, while Dr Roopnaraine, who was a director of the company, has been charged with alleged misconduct and the abuse of public trust for having received in his capacity as director the $906M in public funds while serving as minister.

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President, PM, ministers boycott Cheddi Jagan centenary stamp launch

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t the launched of the commemorative stamp to mark the 100th birth anniversary of former President Dr Cheddi Jagan, there was a no show at the event that was organised to launch the item at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Some close relatives of former President Dr Cheddi Jagan and staff of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre were the only ones present for the launch of the commemorative stamp.

P u b l i c

Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes had announced that the GPOC would be issuing commemorative stamps to celebrate the former President’s 100th birth anniversary. However, on the day of Jagan’s birth anniversary, March 21, the Research Centre never received the stamps from the post office.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo also did not position that nor the PPP or Opposition invited to attend that event.

Captain killed, crew missing in another pirate attack

19 homeless after Georgetown, Berbice fires

NICIL still retains dividends from state companies - source

…despite pre-election criticisms, forensic audit recommendations

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wo separate fires at Cotton Tree on the Corentyne Coast and Hadfield Street, Georgetown left 19 homeless.

At Berbice, swift action by the fire department prevented two nearby houses from burning after the family of six were trapped in the burning building.

Reports are that the family was asleep and at about 00:30h was awoken to a building filled with smoke.

Initial efforts to exit the Lot 28 Cotton Tree building proved futile.

According to Jairam, after an alarm was raised, he tried to get everyone out of the burning two-bed-

room, two storied building but they were trapped. He said they were all barefooted and received burns as a result.

Meanwhile in Georgetown, Two houses were gutted while 13 were rendered homeless following a fire of unknown origin. The fire started in an one storey wooden house, which is located at Lot 69 Hadfield Street. At that time, one of the occupants of the home – an elderly woman - was at home with her grandchildren. Neighbours said that smoke was seen emanating from the house and the occupants of the house managed to escape unharmed.

re-2015, the then Opposition had been heavily critical of the powers wielded by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

Specifically, there had been much criticism of NICIL retaining dividends from several state-owned entities.

However, now that the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) are in Government and with a forensic audit conducted by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, nothing has

changed about the operation of NICIL. According to a closely placed source, the APNU/AFC Government continues to run NICIL the very same way.

According to the source, the Government has taken one od Guyana’s largest entity and placed it into the realms of NICIL. Following Government’s decision to close the Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates, as well as sell the Skeldon Sugar Factory, a Special Purpose Unit (SPU) operating out of NICIL has been leading the divestment process.

Amaila Falls back on the table – Trotman …says Govt will meet requirements for US$80M

Judicial appointments

Human rights body calls for end to impasse

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ne week after sea bandits attacked a 20-crew member, mostly Guyanese, in four boats off the coast of Suriname, there was another attack in which a boat captain was killed and his crew members were missing.

The first attack came on the heels as Dutch authorities continue the search for the missing fishermen. Of the 16 fish-

ermen who were initially reported missing and two were accounted for. One of them managed to survive five days after the incident while being injured but only the body of the other fisherman was recovered.

Meanwhile on May 6, Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan was accompanied by Deputy Crime Chief, Michael Kingston and Deputy Commander ‘B’ Division, Wayne De Harte as he departed Guyana for Suriname to meet with their security counterparts after the recent spate of pirate attacks on Guyanese fishermen.

In addition, seven relatives of missing fishermen were provided with the necessary documentations to travel to Suriname to join in the search for their loved ones.

Govt rakes in $171.2B in taxes for 2017

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hile a number of indicators point to Guyana’s economic growth declining, one thing that isn’t declining is tax collection.

The statistics show that for the year 2017, tax and non-tax collection rose to $194.7 Billion.

The 2017 end of year outcome report states that out of this, tax revenues accounted for $171.2 Billion. At the heart of this increase in

tax revenues, which account for 87.9 per cent of total revenue, is the government raking in more taxes than ever.

For instance, there was a $1 Billion or 1.4 per cent rise in the collection of income tax; $600 Million or a 3.5 per cent hike in import duty collection and a $300 Billion or 0.4 per cent hike in Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise tax collection.

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n regards to comments made by President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo in about the appointments of a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice, it is a clear indication that the impasse has further deepened.

Head of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Mike McCormack shared his opinions that that both parties should put aside their differences.

McCormack said he felt the longer it takes to appoint persons in these two top positions, it will continue to affect the quality of justice here.

The GHRA head said this same issue obtained for the appointment of the chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). “These are

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major appointments as is the chairperson for the Elections Commission but the process by which they are being selected is secretive,” he noted.

McCormack told the Guyana Times that no one has a clue about the process by which President Granger used to select Justice Kenneth Benjamin for Chancellor and Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards for the positions, nor is anyone aware why they are unacceptable to the Leader of the Opposition.

Enterprise house goes up in flames, police hunt arsonist

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hree men were on the run after they reportedly barged into an Enterprise, East Coast Demerara house and set it alight.

The two storey wooden and concrete house owned by 30-year-old, Vickram Sookraj was set alight at about 12:30h.

It was reported that two of the men exited a silver car which they arrived in, entered the yard and asked for the whereabouts of a "pumpkin".

Rajputtie Sookraj,

the sister of the owner who was at home alone at the time with a minor child said that the men approached her and asked for the individual for whom they were looking.

However she told this publication that she responded by telling the men that no one by that name lives at that house.

They exited and shortly after smoke was seen emanating from the building.

hile Minister of State Joseph Harmon had said Government shelved the idea of continuing the Amaila Falls Hydro Power (AFHP) project, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman affirmed that the project is actually a renewable energy option for the Government.

Trotman was at the time fielding questions before the Natural Resources Committee of

the National Assembly.

Asked about the conflicting statements on hydro, he denied that the project was off the table.

But while he noted the project, which was a brainchild of former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has potential, the minister observed that funding is an issue.

In addition, Government is still interested in using the natural gas that goes hand in hand with oil production.

IUF urges Govt to look into plight of ex-sugar workers

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he International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Association (IUF), an international trade union confederation, through its General Secretary Sue Longley, expressed strong concerns over the reducing of the sugar via a letter issued to President David Granger.

The IUF has strongly urged the President that his Government to “…actively look at the plight that have befallen the thousands of workers of the sugar industry who have lost their livelihood…” The trade union body said the situation “…if left unchecked, would not be in the interest of your beautiful country and hospitable people.”

In its letter to President Granger, the IUF, which speaks on behalf of 10 million workers through its 422 affiliated unions in 131 countries, said it is aware that the sugar industry “…has made substantial contributions to your country’s national life and development…Its role as a national institution cannot be diminished especially recognising the absence of alternatives at this time.”

Moreover, the IUF said it is aware that the coalition Government, despite being advised to, did not pursue any considered study to get a better grasp of the eventualities that will flow from its reform plans.

As such, the international body told the President in their missive that it was not the wisest of positions.

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New Maths S

atiricus was so happy he’d left the KFC before their meltdown. As such, he didn’t have to face the tantalising that had been his fate since 2015 from the fellas at the Back Street Bar, where he was presently headed. Christmas wasn’t the time of the year to be getting stick!

“Hey Sato!” called out Cappo as he neared their table, which was already developing a goodsized forest of bottles. “Hari sen’ dong wan small piece an’ beer free today, Budday!!”

“Yeah, de bai done get wan jaab in New Yark,” reported Bungi. “But ‘e seh de place col’ like raas!!”

“De Bannuh ain’t see not’ing yet!” grinned Georgie who had moved in the opposite direction from New York back to Guyana. “He’ll freeze his butt in January!!”

“So what you fellas think about No-Gel Huge calculating that 33 isn’t greater than 32?” asked Satiricus after he downed his first beer in one long gurgle.

“Budday, me na bin far in school,” said Cappo.

“But me t’ink da chap guh school in Aagas!” “’E soun’ just like w’en abee two use fuh cut cane,” said Bungi, with a grin. “Yuh always complain YOU half mo’ big dan ME half!!”

“But seriously, Bannus,” interjected Georgie, “it ain’t so simple. The law does move in mysterious ways!”

“Listen Georgie, don’t stifle your conscience because you’re hooked up with that PeenSee businessman,” said Satiricus sternly.

“Contrary breeze ah mek crow and eagle lan’ pan de same line!” grinned Cappo. “De bai gat fuh live, you know!”

“An’ de same t’ing fuh No-Gel Huge!” said Bungi. “Ah big law-ya money fuh he!!”

“C’mon fellas!” protested Georgie with some heat. “That ain’t fair! As a lawyer, the man is offering his opinion!”

“But wha’ mek ‘e na affa ‘e opinion w’en GECOM seh Pee’nSee win de elec-shan wid de same 33 seat ‘gainst de PPCEE 32?” demanded Cappo.

“Jargie, nah tek yuh mattie eye fuh see,” said Bungi. “Me done drink six beer and you drink five. Who drink mo’?”

Georgie grinned sheepishly but remained quiet.

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Berbice man stabs PPP questions mysterious wife, daughter to death deaths of 4 GGMC workers ...commits suicide in abandoned house …claims deaths may be linked to mercury poisoning

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he parliamentary Opposition has raised questions over the recent deaths of four Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) staffers; a matter that has seemingly been shrouded in an information blackout.

In a statement issued, the party expressed condolences to the relatives of the deceased staffers, whose names were given as Dwayne De Jonge (ranger), Latchman Chiti (surveyor), Leroy Green (carpenter) and Clement Profit (lab technician).

According to the PPP Party, all four men were documented to have been affected by mercury poisoning and precautionary measures such as testing and treatment for all staff must be operationalized by the GGMC

and the Public Health Ministry.

Calls by this publication to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and his junior Minister Simona Broomes went unanswered. When contacted, a top-level official within the Ministry was also at a loss to provide information about the men. He could only confirm that the men were employed at the GGMC and indeed died but did not have any more information.

When contacted, President of the Guyana Civil Servants and General Workers Union (GCS & GWU) Gregory Gaspar declined to comment on the issue.

Sources have informed this publication, however, that the men died in close proximation

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n East Bank Berbice man was found hanging from a rafter under an abandoned house at Glasgow Village, moments after he killed his wife and daughter.

The double murder was witnessed by the couple’s 11-year-old son.

Dead are Dindamattie Behari, 37, a housewife; her daughter Surujdai Khan, 20; and their killer, Jainarine Seetaram, 41, also called “Radoo” all of Lot 1078 Glasgow, New Housing Scheme, Greater New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Behari’s body was found in a hammock, while her daughter died on her way to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

A short distance away,

Seetaram was found hanging at an abandoned house.

According to the Police, the couple’s 11-year-old son related that about two weeks ago, his father accused his mother of having of an extra-marital affair and they had a misunderstanding over it.

He stated that his father was armed with a wooden handle hammer, then dealt his mother a lash to her head with the said weapon.

D i v i s i o n a l Commander, Assistant Commissioner Lyndon Alves told the media that the Police were informed of the incident but by the time they reached the scene, the suspect had already fled.

DDL Chairman calls for more attention to manufacturing sector

Govt announces plans to build 2 more roundabouts W …Kitty round about open

…says local exporters must lift standards

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u b l i c Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, officially opened the Kitty roundabout, and plans were announced to construct two more of the structures, which will help to ease traffic congestion and wastage of time.

The Minister also announced that he expected a waterfront project to be completed by 2019, which will accompany the Kitty roundabout as a tourist destination in the country.

According to Patterson, the two planned structures are scheduled to be erected at the Timehri junction, East Bank Demerara and at the corner of Mandela Avenue and Sheriff

Street, Georgetown, under the Sheriff Street road expansion project.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson; Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes; Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Deputy Mayor Akeem Peters cut the ribbon to officially open the Kitty roundabout.

While the Minister did not elaborate on the details of the planned Mandela Avenue and Sheriff Street roundabout, he reported that works for the Timehri roundabout have begun

by Gaico construction for the sum of $74 million.

ith Guyana’s Balance of Payment position showing a US$69.5 million deficit last year, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Chairman Komal Samaroo made a charge for more emphasis to be placed on developing the manufacturing and export sector.

Samaroo was at the time addressing persons gathered for the launch of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s business magazine. The business executive warned that, with the global market as competitive as it is, more needs to be done to lift local standards.

He noted that to do this, high levels of technical competence and discipline are needed; but, he said, there are challenges even with these lofty goals. Here he was referring to the bureaucracy some manufacturers must deal with when transacting their business.

Samaroo pointed to statistics that a quarter of the US economy is made up of manufacturing physical goods. This, he said, coupled with distribution and sales to retail outlets, means the

DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo

superpower economy is built largely around manufacturing.

On the one hand, the Current Account shows a deficit of US$287.4 million for the year 2017.

But in the previous fiscal year, the report notes, this was just US$12.4 million. The report admits that this is because of a negative balance on the merchandise trade account.

When Finance Minister Winston Jordan presented the 2018 budget last year, he had announced that merchandise imports were estimated to grow by 9.6 per cent. This had been attributed to increased imports of mining machinery, chemicals, fuel and lubricants.

According to the report, imports exceeded the Government’s projections.

Guyana will fall behind if youths not involved in ICT – IDB …as Govt promises full digitalisation by 2020

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overnment has committed to offering 200 services online to citizens as part of its ICT manifesto promises, while the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is urging more inclusionary policies for youth to advance the sector.

At an IDB-sponsored training summit at the Marriott Hotel on Friday, IDB Regional Head Therese Turner-Jones, in addressing the participants, urged Government to avail itself of youth innovators.

It has been pointed out that youths have led the data revolution in other countries, and those countries have gone on to achieve some form of eco-

nomic prosperity. As such, transforming the sector can be expedited by more involvement of youths.

IDB Country Representative Sophie Makonnen stressed the need for countries to keep up to date with advancing technologies. With new technology, Makonnen noted, there are new ways to solve old problems, such as with health care.

A presentation was made by Dr Nicholas Haan, the Track Chair and Vice President of Impact at Singularity University (SU) in which he said there have been major technological transformations which have created opportunities for agencies to rethink the way they serve people.

Private criminal charges

Jordan files $200M ‘malicious prosecution’ lawsuit against Edghill

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inance Minister Winston Jordan has filed a $200 million lawsuit against Opposition Parliamentarian Juan Edghill, whose private criminal charges against several Government ministers, including Jordan, have since been dismissed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In the court document seen by Guyana Times, Jordan is claiming damages in the sum of $200,000,000; for the “Malicious Prosecution of the Offence of Misconduct in Public Office” and other damages.

Edghill initiated private criminal charges against Minister Jordan and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson jointly as well as against Public Service Minister

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine.

The charges against the Ministers allege a breach of the Procurement Act in relation to the expenditure of $906 million in public funds to a private company, Homestretch Development Inc, for the construction of the controversial D’Urban Park Project, which has been a contentious issue for some time now.

Jordan and Patterson were jointly charged with misconduct and abuse of public trust for having allegedly authorized the payment, while Dr Roopnaraine, who was a director of the company, was charged with alleged misconduct and the abuse of public trust for having received, in his capacity as director, the $906 million in public funds while serving as minister.

Westfield Prep student tops NGSA with perfect score

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leven-year-old Nalia Rahaman of Westfield Prep has been announced the top student at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations, having secured a perfect score of 529. Education Minister Nicolette Henry made the announcement at the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) on Thursday.

The elated student explained that she was very happy to have been informed that she had secured the top spot this year. Rahaman had sat the examination at a tender age of ten with the aspiration of becoming an author.

Meanwhile, the second top performer, Arthur Roberts from the New Guyana School, who se-

cured 525 marks, indicated that he was all along aiming for a place at Queen’s College, and he is now working towards his lifelong goal of being a paediatrician.

Cianna Barkoye of North Ruimveldt Primary, who secured 523 marks, noted that she was expecting to excel because of her endless studying.

The top Success Elementary School performer, Zyia Braithwaite, who gained 523 marks, explained that she is satisfied with her performance as she can relax and take a break from studying.

Krystal Duncan of the New Guyana School, who acquired 523 marks, recalled the long nights which accompanied hours of studying to learn everything that she needed to know.

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42 YEAR IN REVIEW

Leguan stelling on verge collapse – residents

…also blasts T&HD for unreliable Ferry Service

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The loose decking on the stelling

esidents on the Island of Leguan in the Essequibo River are calling on the Government to urgently fix the Ferry Stelling since it is on the verge of collapse, warning that if emergency works are not executed immediately then there is the potential for loss of lives since the stelling’s collapse is imminent. The timber planks supporting the stelling are rotten and this has caused fear for residents since heavy vehicles traverse the stelling. In addition, the decking is loose and uneven with rails hanging on to literally nothing on certain sections on the ramp.

Govt pussyfooting around on teachers’ salary increase – GTU The Guyana

Teachers’ Union (GTU) is running tired of the continuous delays and excuses being made by Government with regards to the proposal for an increase in teachers’ salaries and other benefits. While Education Minister Nicolette Henry has said that the matter is now at the hands of Cabinet and that recommendations were made and these were submitted for initial evaluation, the GTU said it is fed up.

President of GTU Mark Lyte said that the Union has learnt unofficially that the work of the High-Level Task Force of Public Education has been dealt with by Cabinet. However, he said the union is yet to hear a word from the Government on their decision.

Teen stabbed to death at Soesdyke

… CPG member, friend in custody

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teenager was in the wee hours of Monday found dead in the vicinity of a wedding house at Soesdyke on the East Bank Demerara with stab wounds to his body.

Ricardo Singh also called “Cardo” of Lot 63 Avenue ‘A’ & ‘B’ Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara was reportedly stabbed several

times including once to his abdomen.

Based on reports received, the 15-yearold former Diamond Secondary School student and his friends left their respective homes on Sunday with the intention of “taking a lime” at the Soesdyke/Linden Highway Junction but instead went to the wedding, which was close by.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

PPP 2020 presidential candidate

Any frontrunner could be maliciously charged – Jagdeo

…selection process to be fair, determined by party CC

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agdeo accuses Govt of plotting against potential PPP presidential candidates Any candidate who considers himself or herself a front runner for the post of presidential candidate for the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) at the upcoming 2020 elections could find themselves facing malicious, trumped up, or spurious charg-

es for dubious offenses following directions handed down by the ruling APNU/AFC Coalition Government.

This is the view expressed by Opposition Leader and PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo as he responded to questions raised by the media in regard to the likelihood of the next PPP Presidential candidate being singled out for charges.

Berbice River Bridge facing bankruptcy

Green State Strategy will put pressure on the treasury – Jagdeo ...Says PPP will scrap policy if party returns to Gov’t in 2020

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n reiterating his disapproval of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) that was created to replace the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said it will only put pressure on the treasury, and if the PPP returns to office, it would be automatically scrapped.

Jagdeo described the draft strategy which he has had a look at, as one

that is a basic ‘cut and paste’ of best practices from around the world, which essentially lacks the ability to attract funding for Guyana.

NTC blasts Govt for ‘broken’ promises

- Granger, Nagamootoo claim ignorance of breaking faith

…company applies for toll hike, losses $2.8B …Govt says no to increase

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From left: Civil Engineer Bert Carter; BBCI Vice Chairman Paul Chung; Chairman, Dr Surendra Persaud; PR Consultant Kit Nascimento and the Bridge’s Finance Comptroller, Steven Ramchan

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ore than a decade after a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement allowed the construction the Berbice Bridge; the bridge company is now facing bankruptcy following the Government's decision to drop the toll and subsequent refusal to allow for an increased as per the initial agreement when the company was formed According to Board Chairman Dr Surendra Persaud, they have had several engagements with Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson. He noted that

following a previous engagement, Patterson had informed them that a maintenance proposal would be taken to cabinet.

According to the Chairman, they were subsequently informed that it was not approved.

In fact, the company applied for a toll adjustment on three occasions; twice in 2015 and once in 2016, to no avail. They have since made another such application, dated July 9. In that application, the company had requested that the toll increases take effect by August 1.

NTC Chairman Joel Fredericks

he National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) conference of 2018 opened on Monday with incumbent Chairman Joel Fredericks blasting Government for a number of unfulfilled promises.

According to Fredericks, the indigenous peoples of Guyana were promised a number of things; such as the revision of

the Amerindian Act of 2006; Constitutional reform and land to build a Secretariat for the NTC. The Chairman added that for three years the NTC listened carefully to every indigenous people’s policy Government announced.

However, Fredericks noted that in those three years, the trust has been eroded by the Government’s failure to effectively act on these promises.

5 bandits killed during shootout with Police

…high powered weapons recovered

119 deaths recorded for past year

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he Parliamentary Opposition has raised concerns over what they described as the high number of deaths of newborn infants at the Georgetown Public Hospital over the past year. Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Vindhya Persaud who was allowed oral questions in Parliament on Thursday, requested Health Minister Volda Lawrence to provide statistics in relation to these deaths.

Lawrence confirmed the MP’s suspicion when she revealed that there have been 119 deaths of newborn infants at the Georgetown Public Hospital during the period June 2017 and June 2018. According to the Minister, from a total of 1155 admissions of neonatal over the period some 10.3 percent of those admissions resulted in deaths, which she also claimed is far too many.

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ive armed bandits, who were allegedly attempting to rob a house at Pattersen, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown were shot dead during a gun battle with the Police.

The dead men have been identified as 38-year-old Timothy St Hill of Warlock, East

Ruimveldt, Georgetown and also Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara; Andrew Daly, 40, of Westminster, West Bank Demerara; Levi Braithwaite, 31, of North Ruimveldt and also of Albouystown, Georgetown; Ian Forde and Jermaine Doobay.

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Making…

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…the law an ass

n 2011, the PPP garnered a plurality of the votes – that is, more than either the PNC or the AFC which ran separately – and won the presidency because that’s what our Constitution specifies.

The PPP’s votes, however, translated into 32 seats while the PNC’s into 26 and the AFC’s into seven to fill the Assembly’s total of 65 seats. Over the next four years, the 33 PNC and AFC’s combined seats were deployed to humiliate and give the PPP hell.

It wasn’t even contemplated they didn’t control the “majority” of seats.

Fast forward to 2014 when Moses Nagamootoo of the AFC moved a motion of no-confidence in the PPP Government and not wanting to be voted out, President Donald Ramotar prorogued Parliament and called elections for 2015. The PNC and AFC railed against the PPP for denying the “will of the people” represented by their “majority” in the House. They didn’t protest that their 33 seats in that election compared with the PPP’s 32 didn’t give them a majority. Which they promptly used to pass every single piece of legislation or budget they presented.

Now fast forward to 2018, when the Charrandas Persaud “vote of conscience” on the PPP’s no-confidence call gave the “yes” 33 votes to the PNC/AFC coalition’s now reduced 32 votes.

After PM Nagamootoo and the entire corps of four Vice Presidents, Ministers, the chair of the PNC, the Whip accepted the Speaker’s decision that they were voted out by a majority vote, the country was jubilant that elections would be held in three months. The next day President Granger agreed with the verdict and promised to meet the Opposition Leader after he returned from his second round of chemotherapy in Cuba.

Nagamootoo even conceded in his Sunday column this was a “historic” moment and the Government would have to resign in accordance with Article 106 (6).

Then came the straw from Nigel Hughes that the Government is now desperately clutching: that legally, 33 is not a “majority” in a 65-member Assembly!!! Your Eyewitness, who has the greatest respect for the law, and not an inconsiderable amount for Nigel Hughes, is reminded about an incident from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.

When the character Mr Bumble is told he’s legally responsible for his wife’s theft of some jewellery because “the law supposes that your wife acts under your direction”. Mr Bumble replied “If the law supposes that … the law is an ass – a idiot. …”

Surely, Nigel Hughes is making the law to be an ass.

By going down this road, the Government will still be going down. But they’ll do so also looking like ‘an ass”! …a mockery of the Constitution This Government has made a fetish about going after the PPP for breaking the law even as they’re determinedly and serially breaking the highest law in the land – the Constitution. Just remember the unilateral appointment of the GECOM chair in contravention of Article 161 (2) or when he sought to instruct the Public Service Commission and violated Article 226 (1). And now comes the refusal to comply with Article 106 (6) which governs what happens after the passage of a noconfidence motion.

There is no ambiguity here: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” In Britain, which we claim to be emulating, but which doesn’t even have a written Constitution, when in 1979 311 MPs voted yes to the no-confidence motion and 311 voted no, the Labour Government accepted its defeat and didn’t whinge about mathematical esoterica.

This PNC-Government is simply reverting to its 70s illegal occupancy of office. …of a great legal luminary Sir Fenton Ramsahoye was not only the first native Guyanese Attorney General…but was the first to gain a PhD in law.

His passing also marks the passing of an age of great Guyanese scholarship.

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46 YEAR IN REVIEW Judicial appointments

CCJ President urges President, Opposition Leader to resolve deadlock

…says non-appointments a “serious concern”

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ustice Adrian S a u n d e r s , President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), is calling on Guyana’s political leaders to urgently resolve their issues and appoint a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and a Chief Justice for Guyana’s courts. He has said this current impasse has implications for the proper running of the Guyana courts.

Following a session of interaction with the private sector at the Pegasus Hotel on August 2, Justice Saunders told reporters that the delay in making these substantive appointments of

key judicial personnel is a matter of “serious concern”.

“Guyana has not had a Chancellor for 13 years, since Chancellor [Desiree] Bernard demitted office to become a Judge of the CCJ. Since then, there have been persons acting in that position… We are outsiders to Guyana’s political system, but we are entitled to express views we have that directly concern the administration of justice. But ultimately, it’s a matter for the Guyana political directorate, and I just wish that steps be taken to resolve those issues,” the newly appointed CCJ President asserted.

Abusive relationship ends in murder, suicide

…husband slits wife’s throat, commits suicide …Police left victim alone with husband

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Corentyne, Berbice man turned a knife on himself after killing his wife of 15 years on August 6. Dead are Subrina Lakhan, 29, a housewife, and her husband, Ramesh Ramdeen, 42, a labourer, at Rose Hall Estate.

The couple lived at Lot 101 Chesney New Housing Scheme, Corentyne, and had three children ages six, eight and 13 during the 15year relationship, which was marred by physical and verbal abuse.

This newspaper was told that the couple on August 6, appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh at the Albion Magistrate’s Court.

Following the court appearance, the mother of three went to the Police Station and requested that an officer accompany her home, saying that she was scared for her life and had decided to go live with her mother. Reports are that the

woman asked for the officer to be there while she packed her belongings.

This publication was told that a female officer accompanied the woman, but left while she was packing.

Traditional sectors suffer decline

…although economy grew by 4.5 %

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Parliament on August 8, and which focuses on the state of the economy and performances of various sectors.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan admitted that the gold sector also suffered a decline

of 9.1 per cent. This is equivalent to a decrease of 288,114 ounces in gold declaration. The report also revealed that this represented a 19.4 percent shortfall (below the original projection set by Government).

Lindo Creek CoI Report

Officers will be held accountable – President

- says “troubling questions” raised in report

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ven as Government continues to review the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report into the Lindo Creek Massacre, Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces, Brigadier David Granger, on Wednesday said that those officers who are implicated in the Lindo Creek Massacre will face the consequences of their actions.

“The report’s recom-

mendations will be acted upon in due course.

The days of concealing security sector mistakes and misdeeds are over.

The Force’s officers will be held accountable for the consequences of their actions, and for the instructions they issue to their subordinates,” the President said in his remarks at the swearing-in of the new Police Service Commission.

Natural gas eruption

Capped well at Diamond erupts

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breach in the pipeline that was used to cap the gas pocket that exploded back in June in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, has caused a blockage which in turn saw several mini gas eruptions at the Diamond, East Bank Demerara, residence.

The eruptions occurred sometime around 01:00h on Wednesday at the same Sixth Avenue, Great Diamond home where contractors had hit a natural gas pocket causing an immediate explosion two months

ago.

The exposed area was initially capped and the gas was being released into the atmosphere through a pipeline.

However, that pipeline became compromised with a sand blockage; and as a result of this blockage, the gas was unable to escape and the built up pressure resulted in the gas being released through other compromised openings.

There were at least two mini-gas eruptions while various spots in the yard could be seen bubbling.

Queen’s College, Anna Regina Secondary dominate CSEC

Mid-Year Report 2018

espite the economy growing by 4.5 per cent in the first half of 2018, the traditional sectors, such as sugar and rice, have seen decline in their per-

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

formances, with contractions of 30.6 and 3.8 per cent respectively.

This was revealed in the Finance Ministry’s Mid-Year Report 2018, which was laid in

…over 600 students receive zero passes

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ixteen-yearold Christian Pile of Queen’s College has been named Guyana’s top performer at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) examinations for securing a remarkable 19 grade ones at the examination sat earlier this year.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Friday, Pile indicated that he was surprised at the results, but said he was somewhat certain that

he would have excelled.

Plans for the aspiring orthodontist include attending sixth form.

Among the top performers are Shakira Bholo of Anna Regina Multilateral; Salma Majeed of ISA Islamic Academy; Areeb Ali of Queen’s College; Cemecia de la Cruz of Anna Regina Multilateral; and Haema Dasrath, Aarti Hooblall, Reseda Hack, Leshanna Binda and Yashoda Samaroo of Queen’s College.

Police probing Public Infrastructure Ministry’s procurement breaches – SOCU

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he Parliamentary Opposition People’s Progressive Party has written to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), asking that the procurement breaches in relation to the award of consultancy contract to Dutch company, LievenseCSO, for the feasibility study and design of the new Demerara River Bridge be investigated; and SOCU has responded, informing that the issue is engaging the attention of the Guyana Police Force.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira wrote to SOCU head Sydney James on August 15, requesting that the procurement breach-

es be investigated “with a view to instituting criminal charges against the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Minister David Patterson.”

In a response dated August 16, James acknowledged receiving the correspondence, and said, “The matter is now engaging the attention of the Guyana Police Force.”

Additionally, he informed that Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, and Police Legal Advisor, Retired Justice of Appeal Claudette Singh, have been informed of the request for an investigation.

PNCR elects Volda Lawrence as first female chairperson

- Annette Ferguson – Vice Chair - Dr George Norton 2nd Vice Chiar

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oud cheers erupted in the wee hours of August 20 at Congress Place, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, as longstanding party member Volda Lawrence was officially declared Chairperson of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR), creating history in the party as the first wom-

an to hold the post.

At about 01:00h on Monday, the votes were tabulated and Lawrence emerged victorious in front of former Chairman, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams; and bypassing fellow contender, Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

Lawrence, who is the Public Health Minister, secured 346 votes; while Harmon got 287, and Williams secured 183 votes.

Mother stabs 3-yearold son to death

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fter years of mistreating and neglecting her children, a 26-year-old mother of two has fatally stabbed her three-year-old son because she reportedly had a dream that she would die on August 25.

The infant Ramdeo Ferreira of Lot 585-Fifteenth Street, Foulis, East Coast Demerara is now dead following an ordeal that, according to the Police report, began at about 09:45h on said day, when this mother began pursuing her hapless infant in the yard with a knife in her hand.

A few minutes later, ranks at the Enmore Police Outpost received a report that the child had been stabbed by his mother; and when they arrived on the scene, they found the child lying unconscious in a pool of blood with suspected stab wounds to his neck and back.

Police rushed the threeyear-old to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), but he died at about noon (12:00h) while receiving medical treatment. He was stabbed to the heart, a post mortem examination later conducted, revealed.

ExxonMobil discovers 9th oil find offshore Guyana

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S oil giant ExxonMobil made its ninth discovery offshore Guyana, marking its fifth discovery on the Stabroek Block in the past year and proving a new play concept for potential development.

The discovery was made at the

Hammerhead-1 well, where approximately 197 feet of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoir were encountered. The well was safely drilled to 13,862 feet depth in 3,373 feet of water. The Stena Carron drillship began drilling on July 27, 2018.

President of ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Steve Greenlee, said the Hammerhead-1 discovery reinforces the potential of the Guyana Basin, where ExxonMobil is already maximizing value for all stakeholders.

YEAR IN REVIEW 47

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Over 4000 teachers on AG loses case against country-wide strike

former SWAT head decision

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Former SWAT Commander, Deputy Superintendent Mootie Dookie

sented by Attorneys Anil Nandlall, Manoj Narayan, Rajendra Jaigobin and Anuradha Deodasingh in the case against Ramnarine, who was represented by the Attorney General Basil Williams.

After reviewing the written legal submissions, Justice CorbinLincoln handed down the ruling. As part of the decision, Ramnarine and his attorney were also ordered to pay to the Applicant $100,000.

Coast guard medevac unresponsive 5-year-old from ferry

The child lying in his mother’s arms as he was being taken to the hospital

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five-year-old lad was been transferred and admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC),

after quick action from the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Coast Guard expedited his access to medical attention.

According to the GDF, five-year-old Marian Santiago was travelling to Mabaruma from Georgetown aboard the MV Lady Northcote, when he reportedly complained of feeling unwell at about midday on the day in question. As his condition began to deteriorate, his parents sought help from the Northcote crew.

1000 nurses needed in Guyana – Minister Lawrence

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he issue of migrating professionals, including those in the health field, is one Government is actively grappling with, and the plan is to increase student intake even as there is a need for approximately 1000 nurses in Guyana.

This was communicated by Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence on the side-lines of the launch of a Medex programme. According to Lawrence, the issue has reached the level of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“Migration is not only a Guyana issue.

We have signed on to CSME (Caribbean Single Market Economy), and that gives the right to any person, any Caribbean person, to be

able to move from one country to the next to be able to ply their trade or earn in their profession.

So it’s no different from Guyana,” she explained.

“We will continue to see migration, not just in midwifery, not just in nursing; but this has been a complaint right up to WHO about the developed countries, where the developed countries are coming up into our territory and employing persons,” she declared.

Guyana has been named one of two countries showing the strongest emigration movements, with 9.65 per 1000 persons emigrating in 2013. It was cited in a previous study that at least 40 per cent of the people in Guyana would migrate permanently if they get the opportunity.

er on numerous occasions. Guyana Times was told that the nine-yearold boy sometimes misses school to care for his brother.

Ecstasy being sold to students at 5 secondary schools

…as court quashes David Ramnarine’s

he decision made by the former acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine, to send Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Deputy Superintendent Mootie Dookie on ‘special leave in the public interest’, after he was allegedly found smuggling alcohol, was quashed by Justice Fidella Corbin-Lincoln.

Dookie had filed a challenge on June 15, 2018, against the decision made on May 21, 2018, on the grounds that the said decision was “unconstitutional, capricious, whimsical (and) irrational, based upon irrelevant and extraneous considerations, contrary to the rules of natural justice, unreasonable unlawful, null, void and of no effect.”

Dookie was repre-

Hospital by his mother after she observed he was vomiting on Wednesday.

Reports stated that the child would usually be left in the care of his nine-year-old broth-

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An empty classroom in Berbice

housands of students decked out in their new uniforms, bags and shoes were on the first day of the school term greeted with the absence of teachers, and in some cases closed school doors and padlocked gates, as they made their way to school for the beginning of the new school year.

This was the scene at many public schools,

even as the Education Ministry continues to face the full wrath of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), whose members gathered in their hundreds outside the Education Ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown office as they continued to call for a ‘livable income’.

The scene was no different across the country in other regions.

PPP takes Govt to court over added Local Authority Areas

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ollowing complaints that the Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan is involved in the gerrymandering of Local Authority Areas (LLA) in Opposition strongholds, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) filed a legal challenge in the High Court to halt the Minister’s move even as Bulkan maintained that everything he did was above board. Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall filed the Fixed Date Application (FDA) on behalf of People’s Progressive Party Guyana Elections Commissioner (GECOM) Commissioner, Bibi Shadick.

The Applicant filed judicial review proceedings in the High Court against decisions of named respondents, Communities Minister Bulkan and Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield.

Nandlall told reporters on Monday that the PPP’s action is not geared at delaying the entire Local Government Elections set for November 12 but rath-

er; elections in the contested Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) could be rescheduled until the outcome of the court case.

In the writ seen by Guyana Times, the Applicant is seeking a several orders which seek to bring the Communities Minister’s alterations into the conformity with Local Democratic Organs Act, Chapter 28:09. In so doing, the Applicant is petitioning the court to have Bulkan’s orders declared null and void.

The Applicant made an application for an Order or Writ of Certiorari to quash Bulkan’s order of holding elections of seven NDCs without first issuing an Order under the Local Democratic Organs Act, to identify the NDCs by name, boundaries, and number of members.

These NDCs are Moruka/ Phoenix Park; Kitty/ Providence; Nile/Cozier; Lamaha/Yarrowkabra; H a u r a r u n i / Yarrowkabra; Plegt Anker/Kortberaad; and Wyburg/Caracas.

he Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has announced a “worrying” trend whereby date-rape drug ‘Ecstasy’ is being sold to students in at least five schools across Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

T&T promises to relook at ban on honey transshipment

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rinidad and Tobago’s (T&T) Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley has committed that his country is looking into the 80-yearold law which restricts Guyana from transshipping honey exports through the twin-island nation.

The 1935 T&T law prohibits the transportation of honey within one mile of the country. In fact, back in 2015, Laparkan was fined US$3000 by Trinidad and Tobago’s customs for facilitating the shipment of honey.

The authorities had

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as Andre Keron Tappin of Lot 18 La Grange Public Road, WBD. Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan confirmed reports that young Tappin was taken to the Georgetown Public

also seized the quantity of honey which was intransit there. Apart from Guyana, Grenada also faces similar troubles with twin-island laws.

However, Dr Rowley, in responding to questions following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Sector Cooperation between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, told media operatives that while he was not aware that Guyana was also affected by the restriction, he assured that steps are being taken to address the matter.

Tombs broken into, skeletal remains scattered in cemetery

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our tombs in the La Belle Alliance Cemetery on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two have been broken into, and their contents were dumped in the cemetery. This gruesome discovery was made by a cattle farmer who was at the time grazing his animals.

Guyana Times visited the scene and observed that the tombs had been breached in several places. The skeletal remains of at least one woman had been taken out from her casket and was placed on the ground a short distance away. The skull and certain other bones were missing from those remains. The corpse was identified as

that of Sara Garraway of Danielstown, Essequibo Coast.

The three other tombs that were broken into still had their caskets intact, but it was not clear if bones were missing from them.

The headstone of the second tomb read “Campton Britton of Danielstown”, while only the word “Persaud” was visible on the third tomb.

The fourth tomb was unmarked.

Thieves break into Finance Ministry

Child dies after accidently P eating rat poison hockwaves were rippling through the West Bank Demerara (WBD) village of La Grange, following the death of a one-yearold, who met his demise after he eat carbon tablets (rat poison). The dead child was identified

The anti-drug enforcement agency is working with education officials to address the illegal practice. The date-rape drug is making its way into schools after being already popular among many affluent members of society, according to CANU Deputy Head, Lesley Ramlall.

olice in A Division (Georgetown) were investigating a break-in at the Finance Ministry during which several documents and hard drives, among other items, were stolen.

Guyana Times was told that the burglary is believed to have taken place sometime on Friday evening into the wee hours of Saturday morning.

It was reported that

the discovery was made later Saturday morning when employees showed up for work.

Upon realising that the documents and data-saving devices were missing, authorities at the Ministry were informed and the Police was called in.

This newspaper understands that investigators had visited the scene and took fingerprint samples.

48 YEAR IN REVIEW

GuySuCo misappropriated bond -NICIL/SPU -says misuse of funds has caused worry for lenders

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he National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is expressing concern over the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) use of money from the syndicated bond it raised for unauthorized purposes.

Days after reports that Republic Bank halted GuySuCo’s bond financing over misuse of funds, the very entity that raised the funds has joined in expressing concern. In a statement,

NICIL’s Special Purpose Unit head Colvin Heath London made it clear that GuySuCo appropriated the funds for unauthorized expenses.

In fact, London said that Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder and GuySuCo have appeared disinclined in using the monies for capitalizing GuySuCo. According to London, this has caused lenders to express alarm for the way things are unfolding with the bond.

Closure of Skeldon sugar estate takes toll on Corriverton businesses

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he closure of the Skeldon Sugar Estate has taken a toll on the business community in the bordering town of Corriverton, Berbice, Region six. Nine months after the estate was closed, businesses are recording very low sales and many of them are op-

erating at a lost.

Following the closure of four sugar factories last year, and the displacing of almost 5000 workers several communities recognised a slowdown in commercial activity.

Last year 1851 workers were sacked from the Skeldon Sugar Estate, 1181 from the Rose Hall Estate, 1480 from the East Demerara Sugar Estate and 251 from the Wales Sugar Estate.

The impact on Corriverton as a result of the Skeldon closure is being referred to as great.

PPP files legal action on fraudulent LGE list

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) through one of its constituency candidates in Berbice has filed legal proceedings against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and another individual to have the names fraudulently affixed to the backer’s lists for Local Government Elections (LGE) in the Ancient County removed.

The court document seen by this newspaper names Shafraz Beekham as the applicant, along with the Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and Orlando Christopher Persaud as the respon-

dents. The document outlines that the challenge is seeking to have the names of 49 other electors appearing on list of backers in support of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Constituency candidates removed.

It noted that the submission was made to Persaud on September 21, 2018 in Whim Bloomfield, Berbice Local Authority Area (LAA), for the LGE 2018.

The PPP is challenging on the grounds that the said decision is unlawful, illegal, and unreasonable and is in violation of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act.

Pirates attack 8 Guyanese fishermen in Waini River

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ishermen plying their trade close to the Guyana Venezuela borders pounced upon by a group of armed Spanishspeaking men, in an area referred to as Crabdog, Waini River, Region One. The gunmen demanded that the crew hand over their boat and valuables, forcing the men to plunge into the murky waters of the Waini River.

Information reaching this publication indicat-

ed that the incident occurred at about 15:00h on Thursday.

The boat was captained by 40-year old Julian Marks, of Dartmouth Village, Essequibo Coast and had seven crew men.

Police investigations revealed that as the men were about to throw their nets they were attacked by Spanish-speaking men, who arrived in a wooden balahoo powered by a 75hp outboard engine.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Pensioner shot, robbed

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70-year-old woman is now nursing a gunshot wound on her arm after she was shot during a robbery by motorbike bandits.

The robbery occurred at about 13:15h on Laluni Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.

According to reports, earlier in the day the victim and her husband went to a city bank where she withdrew a sum of cash. She was traced and robbed.

The injured woman was rushed to a Georgetown medical facility, where she is was admitted a patient.

Son shot, father beaten as bandits invade Corentyne business

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The injured father and son duo in the hospital

father and son are now hospitalised after three armed bandits attacked their Corentyne, Berbice, business, terrorising them.

The incident occurred at about 18:00h at the Lot 6 Cromarty Farm, property where the family operates a grocery shop that is attached to their house.

Injured are 52-yearold Dhirah Kumar and his 22-year-old son, Balram,

who was shot to his jaw.

Guyana Times understands that three men – one masked, one carrying a gun and the other a cutlass – entered the grocery store, which Kumar and his son operates.

According to the businessman’s wife, 48-yearold wife, Asha Kumar, at the time she was preparing dinner for the family when she heard her husband screaming.

Teachers' wage impasse ends

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fter more than one month since a nationwide teachers’ strike was called off, the government has finally agreed to increase the salaries of teachers by 12 percent for 2016 and eight percent for 2018. This was disclosed on Friday at the Education Ministry’s 26 Brickdam, Georgetown Office following a sixhour long discussion between Education Minister, Nicholette Henry and the Executives of the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU).

The minister revealed, “What we have proposed essentially is in so far as 2016 in concerned, we finalized at 12 and eight percent respectively and for 2018 we’re at eight percent and the debunching figure (is) the one that we shared earlier the $315,000,000”.

Although fewer smiles were seen on the faces of the executives, the President of the GTU, Mark Lyte told Guyana Times that the Union is satisfied with the amount being given to teachers.

Mother of two killed by mentally unstable boyfriend

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mother of two was stabbed several times by her mentally unstable boyfriend and left to die in a muddy drain at Crane Street Queenstown, Corriverton, Berbice.

The dead woman identified as Iransa Frank, 38, was a waitress of Crimson Light Bar located on the Corentyne and formerly of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The woman was heading home from work when she was seen running up the street with

Dead, Iransa Frank

the suspect in hot pursuit.

He eventually caught up with the woman. The woman was trying to fight him off but her throat was reportedly slit in the process. The woman fell into a nearby.

She was further stabbed four times to her neck.

Fire guts Sophia home, 12 homeless

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fire of unknown origin on Sunday afternoon gutted a “B” Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown house leaving at least 12 persons homeless.

The fire reportedly started just after midday in the lower flat of the building and quickly spread to the entire building this leaving the occupants anytime to save any household items.

The fire was first detected by an occupant of the house who immediately raised an alarm.

By doing so, the other occupants of the house ran to safety and the fire fighters were summoned. However, by the time the fire tenders arrived, the house was almost gutted. The entire upper flat was destroyed along with the front wall of the lower flat was intact.

3 escape from Lusignan prison

…security ranks were clearly not alert –Director of Prisons

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Sudesh Dyal; Travis Evans; Dexroy Pollard

manhunt is underway for three prisoners, who escaped from the Lusignan Prison in the wee hours of Monday.

The men reportedly scaled the perimeter fence at about 04:30h.

The escapees are 23-year-old Travis Evans of ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Sudesh Dyal, 23, of Wales Backdam and Dexroy Pollard, 29, of Wales Village. Evans is a murder accused.

Acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels has since confirmed that of

the three who escaped, one was incarcerated for murder while the other two were on remand for break and enter and larceny.

Those on the run are 23-year-old Travis Evans of ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Sudesh Dyal, 23, of Wales Backdam and Dexroy Pollard, 29, of Wales Village. Evans is reportedly the murder accused. Pollard was convicted for breaking and entering and was sentenced to two years imprisonment. Dyal was on remand for breaking and entering.

Ogle Shaheed orphanage destroyed by fire

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ighteen orphans of the Shaheed’s Girls Orphanage were awakened after an early morning fire at their Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) residence on Saturday.

Reports are the fire started at about 06:45h in the upper flat of the partially wooden and concrete building, which is located at Lots 7 and 8, Oleander Gardens, Ogle, ECD.

This newspaper was told that one of the two caretakers, 59-year-old Shantie Pooram, was alerted by one of the children, who noticed the dense smoke emerging from a room on the western end of the building.

An alarm was raised, and the children were rushed out of the building.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were also alerted about the fire.

Guyana records fiscal deficit over $20B

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uditor General Deodat Sharma has found that Government’s overall deficit has increased and indeed, swallowed the current surplus - resources saved from taxes, royalties and other revenue earing activities embarked on by the state.

This is contained in the Auditor General’s 2017 report, which notes that for that fiscal year there was a net overall deficit of $24.268 billion as of December 31, 2017. The net deficit is made up of a current surplus of $5.939 billion and a capital deficit

of $30.207 billion.

The AG found that Government attracted total capital revenue of $28.4 billion but capital expenditure, which is usually long term, project oriented and non-recurrent spending, was recorded by the AG at $58.6 billion.

Total revenue for the year 2017, which includes current and capital, was $323 billion. Government, however, spent more than it earned as total expenditure was pegged at $347.3 billion, a deficit of $24.2 billion. The deficit has in fact increased from last year, when it was $20.3 billion.

President David Granger unwell, heads to Cuba

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overnment had issued a terse statement on Monday that President David Granger would be going to Cuba on today for almost a week. However, Guyana Times was told that President is unwell and will be going to the Spanish speaking country for medical tests.

This was confirmed by People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) General Secretary Amna Ally in an interview with sections of the media assured that the

President was not expected to undergo surgery.

Instead, she said, he will be undergoing a medical test in Havana, the capital of Cuba. She also informed that the president called a meeting with Cabinet ministers from his Peoples Nation Congress (PNC) party on Monday.

YEAR IN REVIEW 49

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

NOVEMBER

Marcus Bisram loses extradition case in US …expected back in Guyana to face murder charge

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he month of November started off with news that Guyanese Philanthropist Marcus Bisram is expected back in Guyana to face a murder charge after he lost an extradition challenge in a New York court. Bisram is wanted in Guyana for the murder of a Berbice carpenter.

District Judge, Kiyo A Matsumoto presided over the case on Tuesday, where she upheld that there was sufficient evidence for Bisram to be repatriated to Guyana. Judge of the Eastern District, Peggy Kuo had similarly ruled that the evidence was enough, and an extradition order was signed.

On October 31, 2016,

Faiyaz Narinedatt was beaten and ran over with a motorcar at the alleged orders of Bisram, after the carpenter declined sexual advances that were made by the overseasbased Guyanese. The body of 27-year-old Narinedatt was later found on the Number 70 Village Public Road on the Corentyne.

Bisram, as well as five alleged henchmen, is alleged to have conspired to commit the act.

Police kill bandit after ECD robbery

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n Agricola, Greater Georgetown man was shot dead by Police on November 1 while trying to escape after robbing a taxi driver and a cattle farmer.

Dead is 27-year-old Melroy Solomon, called “Souce Mouth”, of Titus Street, Agricola.

According to Police reports, about 10:50h on Thursday, a taxi driver was robbed of his 212 motor car and personal items at Seventh Street, Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) by

two males, who hired him to purportedly go to an ECD destination.

The matter was reported, and the stolen vehicle was intercepted by Police ranks in an unmarked vehicle at Mahaicony. However, the suspects fled, discharging rounds that hit the police and later abducted and robbed a cattle farmer after this stolen vehicle got stuck.

After taking another taxi, they were again intercepted by police. A shoot out ensued, during which Solomon was fatally wounded.

BBCI offers Govt lifeline on Berbice Bridge toll hike -says 40-year contract period

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means no increases ith just a week to go before toll increases are slated to go into effect, the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) has made a major offer to the Government.

The Company has offered Government a chance to extend the life of the contract to spare commuters toll increases.

In correspondence to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, BBCI Finance

Controller Stephen Rambajan requested a meeting with the Minister on the Board’s behalf and in the public interest to discuss the terms of this offer.

According to the offer, BBCI is seeking an agreement to extend the contract period to 40 years. This extension, according to Rambajan, will make it unnecessary to implement the toll increases the company announced on October 16, 2018.

Govt nationalises Berbice River Bridge ... “this is a slap in the face to all privatepublic partnerships – BBCI Vice Chair … no respect for rule of law, constitutional rights of citizenry – former AG

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he Government of Guyana has snatched control of the Berbice River Bridge on Monday in an apparent effort to nationalise the structure, which was financed mainly by private investors.

In a surprise move on Monday, the People’s National Congress (PNC)led Government said that in accordance with the

powers conferred upon Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

by Sections 4 (1) and 11 of the Berbice River Bridge Act and in the interest of public safety, it would maintain and operate the bridge as of November 5 “until the date the Minister specifies by notice on the cessation of the threat to public safety.”

Fly Jamaica crash-lands at CJIA after encountering hydraulic issues -10 passengers hospitalised – firefighters arrested for theft

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Boeing 757 aircraft operated by Fly Jamaica crash-landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, in the wee hours of Friday morning thus resulting in at least 10 people being medically examined.

The airplane carrying 118 adults, along with two infants and an 8-member crew, took off from the Cheddi Jagan International

Airport at about 02:10h but after sometime, the aircraft encountered hydraulic problems and as such, returned to Timehri where it crash-landed.

The aircraft was destined for Toronto, Canada.

All passengers and crew members onboard were accounted for but officials have confirmed that five passengers suffered spinal injuries which is not life threatening.

President David Granger diagnosed with cancer – sources

-starts chemotherapy in Cuba

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resident David Granger has been diagnosed with cancer and will undergo chemotherapy in Cuba.

This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Embassy of Guyana in Cuba late Wednesday.

The President left

with his wife, First Lady Sandra Granger for Cuba around two weeks ago. A statement issued by the Ministry of the Presidency on October 29, 2018, confirmed his travel. It said that the President and the First Lady will spend one week in Cuba.

PPP files no-confidence motion against APNU/AFC coalition Govt

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motion of no-confidence in the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government has been filed by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo with the National Assembly.

At his weekly news conference held on Thursday at his Church Street office, Jagdeo made the announcement,

adding that the move came after a meeting of his party’s leadership.

He listed several things to support the move, including the loss of 30,000 jobs; the decimation of the sugar sector; massive increases in the cost of living; and the imposition of hardships on the Guyanese people, via Government policies, such as $60 billion in increased taxes per annum.

PPP records massive wins countrywide with over 45,000 votes BBCI moves to High Court to reverse Govt’s takeover more than APNU, AFC combined he Berbice said both Public

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espite some challenges at some Local Authority Areas (LAAs), People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo said on Tuesday his party still managed to prevail during the 2018 Local Government Elections

(LGE).

According to Jagdeo, they secured massive wins countrywide with more than 45,000 votes than the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) combined.

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Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) has turned to the High Court in an attempt to retake operations of the facility, which the coalition Government took over earlier this month.

In a statement on Thursday, the BBCI

Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and Attorney General Basil Williams have been served with notice of the legal challenge it has mounted. The application is set to come up for hearing on December 5 before Justice Gino Persaud.

Jagdeo to file complaint with ERC over Govt’s threats to divide Guyanese

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has taken Government to task over comments made by one of its senior Cabinet and party officials at a recent political rally.

Jagdeo has said he plans to file an official report with the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and the international community, as the comments seek to divide

Guyanese.

He was making reference to an online news report wherein Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, remarked that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) will target Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) supporters and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) that sabotage Government.

Govt’s chances of re-election low – petroleum expert -says oil revenue should be used towards developing Guyana

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ormer Presidential Advisor on Petroleum to Guyana, Dr Jan Mangal says a lot of what the coalition Government does now and how it plans for the future, particularly as it relates to the oil and gas industry, will determine whether or not it can be reelected to office.

However, Dr Mangal believes that the Government’s chances are low based on a number of factors. His comments come in light of the recently-concluded Local Government Elections (LGE) which saw the coalition performing poorly as compared to the main Opposition party.

Scotiabank pulls out of Guyana -Govt expresses concern

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major shake-up is looming on the financial landscape, as Canadian-based Scotia Bank will be pulling out its operations in Guyana and a number of other countries. The bank branches will in turn be bought over by Republic Bank.

Guyana Times understands that the deal is worth US$123 million.

According to Chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) Ronald Harford, who made the announcement, the move will benefit everyone in the long-run. This includes Scotiabank clients and employees and the

group’s own stakeholders.

But Scotia bank’s presence in Guyana is of such a magnitude that even Government is concerned about the transaction, with the Finance Ministry expressing regret at the buyout soon after it was announced.

According to a statement from the Ministry, the Financial Institutions Act (FIA) has clear stipulations regarding ‘acquisition of control’ and requires approval from the Bank of Guyana. The Ministry noted that an application must first be submitted and due diligence conducted.

$300.7B budget presented to National Assembly ...no measures for ordinary citizens

…$1000 increase for pensioners …tax exemptions for dentures, electric cars

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t $300.7 billion, the National Budget for 2019 was presented on Monday to the National Assembly. But through it all, measures that can directly benefit the small man are noticeably absent.

The only thing that Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who spoke almost uninterrupted for five hours during his budget presentation, announced under ‘measures to increase

workers’ income was the increase in the income tax threshold to $780,000 per annum ($65,000 monthly).

This is an increase per month of $5,000, as the salary threshold was previously $60,000.

Accompanying this increase was a promise from the Government that it would re-engage the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) in negotiations to improve allowances.

50 YEAR IN REVIEW

Govt defeated …PPP wins no confidence motion in National Assembly …as AFC’s Charandass Persaud votes against Govt

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

estimates. But the final day saw some fireworks as the Finance and Public Security Ministries were scrutinized.

In the case of the Finance Ministry, the Parliamentary Opposition was especially concerned about the finances of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments

Limited’s (NICIL) Special Purpose Unit (SPU).

This budget, themed ‘Transforming the Economy, Empowering People, Building Sustainable Communities for Good Life’ is the administration’s fifth since coming to office in 2015. It is also the largest.

ExxonMobil halts 3-D seismic operations offshore Guyana

…after Venezuelan military forces ship out of area

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here was shock in the National Assembly as a no confidence motion brought by the Opposition – Peoples Progressive Party - against the Government succeeded when Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Charandass Persaud broke ranks and voted in favour of the motion.

A total of 10 MP’s debated the motion, but when the dust was settled, and a vote of division was called, Persaud’s vote changed the numbers to 33 versus his colleagues’ 32 votes against the motion. Persaud has since indicated that his vote is one of conscience and was in no influenced by anyone to side with the opposition.

Govt has to resign and call elections in 3 months – PM

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ollowing the passage of the no-confidence motion filed by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Opposition against the APNU/AFC Coalition, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said that Government will be upholding the law. This means, in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana, the Coalition administration will have to resign and call national elections within the next three months.

The Guyanese must understand that the democratic process is sometimes unpredictable.

You may have results that

are not planned for… but the outcome has to be accepted… It may be a surprise to some, it may be a shock to others, it may be welcomed by some and others may rejoice over the results but that is how democracy works and we are fully committed to the rule of law,” Nagamootoo posited.

Nevertheless, he noted that Government will remain in office until such time that a date for elections is set. In the meantime, he posited, the Coalition will have to deliberate on its options going forward.

Govt must resign as per Constitution – Jagdeo

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he Government should resign,” said Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo bluntly on Thursday as he called for the Administration to abide by the Constitution during a media engagement outside Freedom House on Thursday following a meeting with the Party’s Executive Committee.

“This government has lost a no-confidence motion; the Constitution has provided the clear prescription [that] you resign on losing it. They should’ve resigned by

now … [I’m calling on Government] to resign now; that is what [Article] 106 (6) is – it didn’t say “may” resign, it said “shall” resign,” Jagdeo told reporters.

Jagdeo on Thursday had reiterated that he was ready to have these discussions with the Head of State. However, while Government had assured a meeting would be held between President Granger and the Opposition Leader, this was not likely until the President returns from Cuba.

$300.7B budget approved -Opposition, Govt clash over NICIL/ SPU, Public Security allocations

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fter a week of crutiny from the Parliamentary

Opposition, the National Assembly approved the $300.7 Billion Budget

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ovt condemns “hostile” act; to file complaint with UN E x xo n M o b i l ’s local subsidiary has suspended the 3-D seismic operations it started only a month ago in Guyana’s Stabroek Block after the appearance and approach of the Venezuelan military on Saturday forced the company’s seismic vessel to pack up shop and vacate the area.

The vessel in question is the ‘Ramform Tethys’, which is owned by Norwegian company Petroleum and Geo Services (PGS) was contracted by

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ver 300 rice farmers in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and from the island of Wakenaam in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) flocked the gate of the Hack Rice Mill in Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast demanding their payments.

Farmers are concerned over the long delay in receiving payment from millers for paddy purchased since September and some even earlier this year. After a commotion

erupted in front of the main gate of the rice factory, its management was forced to meet with the frustrated rice farmers. The owed farmers said the manger eventually met with them and agreed to give them payments between $50,000 and $100,000 until full payments are available.

The farmers said they have their monthly bank installment to meet and the cash given to them in some cases cannot even meet the required payment.

Budget 2019 has nothing for the poor, marginalised- Audit firm

-says budget tailored along neo liberal, pro-business lines

I ExxonMobil to carry out tests and acquire seismic data. Speaking with this publication, the company’s Senior Vice President, Bard Stenberg confirmed the encounter.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge has since indicated his intention to formally lodge a complaint with the United Nations.

Georgetown gets new Mayor, Deputy

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he city of Georgetown will now be spearheaded by People National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) Councillor, Pandit Ubraj Narine after he was elected as the new mayor. Narine, who represents Constituency One, was nominated by Councillow Ivelaw Henry and entered the race with People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Councillor Bishram Kupen who was selected by Deon Younge.

The new mayor secured 21 votes in his favour and was elected accordingly.

Following his lead was Alfred Mentore who was elected as the Deputy Mayor with 23 votes and six against the nomination.

The Council elected seven persons to charge the Finance Committee,

“Dull Christmas for us” – rice farmers

comprising of Patricia Chase-Green, Yvonne Ferguson, Ivelaw Henry, Oscar Clarke, Trichia Richards, Yvonne Ferguson and Bisham Kuppen. Oscar Clarke was appointed as the Chairman to govern this financial body while the outgoing mayor was elected as ViceChairwoman. The newly elected councilors and mayor will commence their duties as of January 1 2019.

n a candid assessment, Audit firm Ram and McRae have called out the recently presented 2019 budget for having little to no provisions for the poor, women and gender issues and other critical matters like the Berbice Bridge, now headed to court after government took it over.

In its annual publication of Budget focus the firm which was founded by anti-corruption advocate Christopher Ram, acknowledged the provisions

in the budget for people with disabilities, the employed and self-employed and Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s stamina for having presented the almost five hour long budget speech uninterrupted.

According to the firm, however, the budget “is silent on women and gender issues, single mothers, the unemployed, including the recently unemployed, the National Insurance Scheme and the Berbice Bridge which the Government took over earlier this month.”

Govt to establish Tobacco Council in 2019

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erious steps will be taken to prosecute individuals and businesses that do not adhere to laws related to the Tobacco Control Bill which sets out tough fines for violators.

Health Minister Volda Lawrence has announced that the Government is currently fine tuning the termsof-reference (ToR) for the establishment of a Tobacco Council in Guyana.

The Minister said that the

document is still being crafted but is expected to be presented to Cabinet for approval before the end of this year. The Council could be established as soon as January 2019.

Lawrence confirmed that no one has been charged since the bill became law in July 2017. However, the Ministry has started a campaign aimed at educating persons on the legislation.

ExxonMobil makes another oil discovery offshore Guyana

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he future of an oil industry in Guyana seems even more promising with another announced oil discovery offshore Guyana by United States oil giant, ExxonMobil.

The company’s 10th discovery was announced

by Director for the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe, who expressed satisfaction with the way things are going. He

revealed that the discovery was made at the Pluma-1 well. It has increased the estimated recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block to more than 5 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

The Pluma-1 is located some 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of the Turbot-1 well and follows previous discoveries on the Stabroek Block.

Millions wasted through Ali innocent until proven guilty – Harmon due process must be procurement scandals – Anthony -says followed for MP, PAC Chair ...as MP lambasts gov’t for mismanagement of projects

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he second day of the Budget 2019 debates kicked-off on Tuesday with Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Frank Anthony taking the government to task for breaches to the procurement laws, the shady deals it has been entering and wastage of tax payers’ dollars.

In his presentation, the MP noted that Guyana has not been getting value for mon-

ey. He pointed to the Auditor General’s 2017 report, which found that 13 contracts totalling $91.4 Million were awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to Caribbean Medical Supplies.

These contracts did not go through a competitive process. According to the Auditor General, these contracts were single-sourced.

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ven the government, by way of cabinet spokesperson and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, is of the view that due process must be followed for Opposition parliamentarian Irfaan Ali when it comes to the constitutional offices he holds.

19 Politically trumped up charges were instituted against Ali by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), in a move the parliamentary opposition and the International

Centre for Democracy (ICD) have criticised and deemed “victimization of a political opponent”. However, Ali sits as the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which reviews the Auditor General’s reports and calls officials to account based on discrepancies the Audit Office highlights.

At his post cabinet press briefing on Friday, Harmon assured that Ali’s post as Chairman of the PAC is secure under the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty.’

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

ICC Stand-alone Women’s World T20 Tournament

SPORT YEAR IN REVIEW 51

The National Sport Policy: A promise on the Horizon for Guyanese Athletes

- Inspirational Windies entertained the Caribbean

By Brandon Corlette

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eandra Dottin’s bowling heroics and H a r m a n p re e t K a u r ’ s sensational century were the highlights of the tournament; leaving the Guyanese supporters s t u n n e d at the National Stadium Providence Guyana.

The 2018 International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s World T20 Tournament was significant; eleven matches were played in Guyana. A dominant Australia team that was led by Meg Lanning emerged as champions while Heather Knight’s England was runner’s up. West Indies fell short of a consecutive World T20 triumph, losing their only match of the tournament in the semi-final against Australia.

Alyssa Healy was the player of the tournament, leading the batting chart while Deandra Dottin top the bowling charts.

West Indies Women and India were the only undefeated teams in the preliminary rounds; topping Group A and Group B respectively.

Guyana was the fortunate; the first Caribbean to witness the Women’s tournament when India and New Zealand clashed at the National Stadium, Providence Guyana.

The opening match saw India defeated New Zealand by 34 runs on the back of Harmanpreet Kaur’s 103. India scored 194-5 and restricted the top ranked New Zealand team to 160-9, as the Indian spinners shared eight wickets among themselves. The second match of the day saw the team from down under, Australia thumping Pakistan by 52 runs.

It was arguably the greatest comeback ever in the history of the game; West Indies stunned Bangladesh by 60 runs in a thrilling encounter.

The Guyanese fans came out in their number, as they were treated by a special performance from Jamaican artist Shenseea. It was an even more brilliant performance from Deandra Dottin who took 5-5 to bowl out the weary Bangladesh team for the lowest total in Women World T20 Tournaments. Bangladesh was bowled out for 46 in pursuit of Windies’ below par 106-8.

The tournament got spicier with Australia’s Alyssa Healy hitting match winning half centuries. In a low scoring encounter between Ireland at Providence, Healy blazed away with a 31-ball 56 as Australia eased to a nine wicket victory.

India, West Indies, Australia and England showed signs of early semi-final qualifications.

In the matches in St Lucia, a

By Jemima Holmes

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Australia defeated England to claim the title of the Stand Alone ICC Women’s World T20 Tournament in the Caribbean

string of low scoring matches were seen at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.

After the 11 matches concluded in Guyana and St Lucia, an upbeat West Indies team entered the first semifinal at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound Antigua. The cricketing world was in for a rematch of the 2016 Women’s World T20 Tournament; the clash of the giants, Australia and West Indies. The Stafanie Taylor led team; West Indies won the toss and opted to field first as Australia racked up 142-5 with the ever-consistent Healy top scored with 46. Windies Women’s were confident of chasing the target but they were humbled by the Aussies.

The Caribbean women were bowled out for 71 with only Stafanie Taylor reaching double figures scoring 16, as the discipline Aussie bowlers shared the wickets among themselves.

In the second T20 semifinal, India entered as overwhelming favorites but the Women’s 50 over World Cup champions, England stunned the Asian giants. A Mithali Raj-less Indian team were bowled out for 112 as England cruised to the final with a eight wicket win as India were sent home. After the anticlimactic semifinal matches, the final was set at the home town of the legendary Sir Vivian Richards. England was bowled out in the final for 105 and the powerful Aussie batting line-up won with eight wickets to spare.

Top performers Barbadian born Deandra Dottin was the joint tournament’s leading wicket taker with Ashleigh Gardener, and Megan Schutt who captured 10 wickets apiece.

Windies fast bowling allrounder, Dottin had a bowling average of 7.70 and an economy rate of 5.63. In the star studded Windies bowling unit, Captain Taylor called upon Dottin to produced wickets and on most occasions she delivered.

Australia’s Ashleigh Gardener was the player of the final scoring runs and picking up wickets. Gardener snatched 10 wickets at an average of 10.70 and an economy rate of 5.94. Megan Schutt,

Elyse Perry, Stafanie Taylor and England’s hat trick star, Anya Shrubsole were other outstanding bowlers.

Alyssa Healy was the leading run scorer with 225 runs averaging 56.25 and a strike rate of 144.23. In all the matches she played for Australia she had impacted the game affecting in dismissals and scoring invaluable runs at the top of the order.

India’s aggressive captain, Harmanpreet Kaur was the only batter to score a century in the tournament, hitting 103 at Providence Guyana.

She ended the tournament with the most sixes (13) and the second most runs (183).

Smriti Mandhana further announced herself scoring 178 runs in the tournament while the legendary Suzie Bates racked up 161. The highest partnership of the tournament came from India duo, Jemima Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur who scored 134 runs for the fourth wicket.

Negatives in World T20 tournament The batting woes in the Caribbean are seen in the men’s and women’s format; in the World T20 Tournament, the batters were not consistent. The main reason for the West Indies qualifying for the semifinal was the outstanding bowling and brilliant fielding performances.

Positive’s in World T20 tournament A tournament that will be remembered for a long period of time saw effortless and innovative batting from the women across various cricketing nations. In addition to the exciting matches played across the venues in the Caribbean, the women cricketers took time off their busy schedule to visit schools.

Three schools befitted in Guyana; Presidents College, East Ruimveldt and Diamond Secondary School. The ICC and CWI took a great initiative to spread awareness of the game and inspired the young girls across the globe. The Caribbean was the suitable venue to host this exciting tournament; the party-like atmosphere was electric and the calypso cricket was entertaining.

018 has been a busy year for all sport disciplines in Guyana, however, aside from their individual advances every sportsman and woman have seen a glimmer of hope for pursuing their passion. This has come in the form of the long awaited National Sports Policy which is said to be equipped with the necessary regulations to male sport more mainstreamed in Guyana.

The cries of sportsmen and women from all across Guyana were answered on June 19 of this year when the Social Cohesion Ministry, which covers the portfolio of sport, released a draft of the long awaited National Sports Policy (NSP).

But this draft release did not come without strife, as athletes, especially those of international caliber, on numerous occasions (prior to the release of the policy) had called on the Ministry to speed up the process since the promise of such a policy was made in 2015 as part of the A Partnership For National Unity’s (APNU) election manifesto.

The most vocal sport personality to urge on the release of the policy was Boxing Coach Terrence Poole who called for the swift implementation of the National Sport Policy so as to provide a basis so athletes who have medaled in international engagements could have ‘tangible rewards’ when they return to Guyana.

In response to this, the Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton had stated that “We want to have a structured system, so that we can avoid claims like what were made.”

He further noted that the implementation process would take on an inclusive approach, which would allow the policy to cater precisely to the needs of every sporting entity, sportsman and sportswoman in Guyana.

The NSP draft has been in generation from November 2016 to June 2018 and focuses on a number of crucial areas that have been stifling the development of sport in Guyana. Several of those areas are national, regional and internationally applicable laws, collaboration among national agencies on sport programmes and projects, sport governance, administration, management, organization, education and educational institutions, medicine, financing (funding, sponsorship, incentives), tourism, manufacturing, intellectual property rights, elite athlete development, the media, overseas offices, Diaspora support, and antidoping.

The Policy aims at raising Guyana’s sport fraternity to a level where, “Sports in Guyana is no longer viewed only as a casual pass time, leisure or recreational activity, but as an entire sector which services the fundamental needs and requirements of the Guyanese athlete, from the amateur to the elite.”

As such, implementation of the Policy would mean that sport will be fostered not only at the organizational level but also in schools. In this instance, the common practice of only track and field in schools will be put aside and students of every primary and secondary school across the 10 administrative regions will be exposed to all sport disciplines and it is the hope of the Policy that adequate facilities will be established to foster that change.

Another key aspect of the Policy mandates that there will be “… awareness of and support for people with disabilities (PWDs) to access sports.” A feature that would be a table turner especially since paracycling athlete Walter Grant-Stuart has found it difficult to receive participation funding even after bringing home a gold medal.

Additionally, the Policy will focus on allocating financing and funding for national sport organisations and federations hosting

competitive games in various sport disciplines and geographic areas, compulsory physical education in schools and anti-doping.

Since its release, there has not been any changes made to the policy and it will remain available for viewing online and is open to input and suggestions from sporting organizations and citizens. This consultation process, which the Social Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton described as ‘lengthy’ in an interview with the Guyana Times Sport, will continue throughout 2019.

Advances in athletics Track and Field in Guyana is on a steady rise and with the addition of two more Synthethic tracks to the country’s portfolio, athletes will have a greater opportunity to improve their skill.

The Ministry of Social Cohesion, with Responsibility for Sport, in October of this year sealed contracts with two Guyanese construction companies, initiating the third phase of work on the new synthetic tracks to be laid in Region Six, East Berbice/Corentyne, and Region Ten, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice.

The two new tracks — at Burnham Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice and Bayrock Community Centre ground at Wismar, Linden — will carry to three the total of such tracks to be laid in Guyana, following the laying of the Leonora Synthetic Track.

The bidding process for the construction works was carried out by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), which saw the project at Region Six receiving 14 tenders and at Region Ten receiving 12 tenders.

Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa DowRichardson, detailed the work that will be done by the two companies which have emerged successful from the bidding “We’re in phase three, this is specific to the ground preparation. There will be ground work, the laying of drainage pipes, curb works, asphalting and concrete where necessary. This is prior to stage four, where the laying of the synthetic material will be done,” Dow- Richardson explained.

The contract for the Berbice track has been awarded to BK International at a cost of $141 million, while the Linden track will be done by Builders Hardware and Supplies at a cost of $179 million.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, expressed his satisfaction with the construction of new tracks, noting that the pressure would be taken off the lone track at Leonora, which is experiencing some deterioration.

“I am indeed pleased, but I must confess that this signing is long overdue. It was only last year (that), for the first time, we had our National School Athletics Championships being run on a synthetic track at Leonora. (In) my last inspection of that facility, it was not too encouraging,” he said.

The Minister has stressed that the additional synthetic surfaces would go a long way towards improving the level of athletics in Guyana.

“We’re hoping that, with this effort, it will bring us closer to where we want to be,” Dr. Norton had said.

Works on the third phase of the tracks were expected to be completed within 3 to 6 months of its initiation.

When probed by media operatives about sticking to their deadline, Rajesh Samaroo of Builders Hardware and Supplies gave all assurance that the company will complete the work on time.

“With regards to the deadline, it depends on the weather, but surely we should finish on time,” Samaroo stated.

52 SPORT YEAR IN REVIEW

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

IPL-bound Hetmyer, Rutherford, GABA League…

Paul – the future of Guyanese, Trojans, Ravens and Windies and possibly T20 cricket Guardians Record wins

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he year 2018 has been a and a pugnacious middle/lower-order tremendous year for hitter. The Essequibian was purchased Guyanese cricket by the Delhi Daredevils for 50 lakhs both individually and or US$70,000; a small purse holistically; with three compared to the big bag his of the country’s teammate snapped up by the premier players in Challengers.

Shimron Hetmyer, Rutherford’s selection S h e r f a n e was no surprise, but his Rutherford and price tag certainly was; Keemo Paul having been the least landing major popular of the three; the deals of the left-hand power-hitter upcoming Indian surpassed all expectations Premier League after starring in the CPL as (IPL) 2019. he walked away INR 2 crore The Guyana which is roughly US$277,000 Jaguars and to emerge one of the most Windies trio are surprising yet deserving big products of the 2018 buys for a newbie this season.

Shimron Hetmyer smashed 106 Hero Caribbean Premier Hetmyer off 78 balls and 94 off 64 balls in League (CPL) which was back-to-back games at Guwahati and responsible for building their stock in the T20 format. Their prowess Visakhapatnam during the ODI series in in the shortest format along with their India. His T20 strike rate of 144 coupled abilities to single-handedly win games for with his 26 sixes in 19 T20s, 30 sixes in 20 their teams, resulted in the million-dollar ODIs; makes for a star player in any side. price tags which are now associated with Rutherford stunned fans with his their names. power-hitting in the CPL before going Hero CPL has always been a breeding onto the Canadian T20 where he smoked ground for young talent, having paved a big hundred against a bowling heavy a way for a number of youngsters from Chris Gayle-led franchise. The fastaround the Caribbean to either feature in bowler then earned his Windies call up the IPL or break into the Windies limited to the T20 side but really showed his overs team; a trend which has dimension as a pure six-hitter during remained prominent over the T10 league where he smashed the years. scores like 47*, 24, 16, 39 and Players continue to 46 off a handful of deliveries. mix with international A very lucky Royal stars and heroes due Challengers Bangalore to the overwhelming could have easily been influx of stars from without the left-hander around the world as their entry number who more and for bidding fell last. more seem to be Meanwhile, it was a jumping onboard tussle between the likes the Caribbean’s of Sunrisers Hyderabad, biggest party. But Kings XI Punjab and shifting gears to Rajasthan Royals who India’s biggest cricket were all gunning for the fiesta, it would appear 21-year-old Hetmyer. that the Guyanese Paul recently made Sherfane contingent will certainly history with the ball, snaring Rutherford be the new blood of stars his first 5-fer in T20 cricket against who could possibly entertain the Bangladesh in the T20 series decider cricket-hungry Indian fans for the next during the recently concluded tour of few years.

Asia. The right-arm fast-bowler was one The devastating form of the Berbician of the engineers who took the Guyana Hetmyer could not be overlooked as Jaguars to their 4th title last season in his purple-patch commenced since the the 4Day league, before earning his Windies home tour versus Bangladesh. Windies selection.

Since then the left-hander has become a The pugnacious batsman has been regular in all three formats and currently a mainstay and a go-to bowler for his is one of the team’s best batsman team over recent months; establishing for 2018. himself as one of the Windies key He has since made a bowlers in the death overs number of impressions during T20’s. With all three and gained favor Guyanese in the Windies when he racked up team, the professionalism some good scores of international cricket has during the tour of certainly rubbed off on the India; impressing trio who are now bound skipper Virat Kohli. for the Glitz and Glamour It was no surprise of IPL cricket. that Kohli, who Also, the three is captain of the became history-makers Royal Challengers as they were the first Bangalore (RCB) three Guyanese ever was indeed a fan to be selected for the of the Guyanese IPL franchises during the Keemo who was snapped up same auction , with Chris Paul by the franchise or a Barnwell, Shiv Chanderpaul and whopping bid of INR 4.20 Ramnaresh Sarwan being the first crore (US$588,000); instantly group of Guyanese to play in the Indian making the former Windies U19 World franchise over the seasons.With much Cup winning Captain a millionaire with a to live up to and much to prove in just long way to go. a few months’ time; Paul, Hetmyer His deputy at the u19 World Cup, and Rutherford will defeiontly be on a Paul has also been a regular face in the mission to cement their statuses as the Windies Test, ODI and T20 teams; thanks next crop of Caribbean T20 world stars. to his ability as a sharp seam bowler

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he Rainforest Water/Malta Supreme/ Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League first commenced its 2018 season on September 1, 2018 at the Burnham Hard Court as it featured teams being represented in the first, second and under 23 divisions.

Under – 23 Trojans vs Guardians The action all started for the Trojans on December 8, 2018 when they faced the Pacesetters in the semifinal. It was a see-saw battle for most of its duration, with each team pushing the other to its limit. In the end, the Trojans stunned the Pacesetters 75-73, with Denzel Ross leading the way with 16 points, while Kadeem Peterkin supported with 12.

With the penultimate hurdle crossed, the Warren Wilson-led side now had a shot at the title. Prior to this match, Wilson had said the players were hungry and wanted the win badly; and this was displayed when they emphatically carved out for themselves a 79-62 win over the

Plaisance Guardians on December 9, 2018.

At start of the highly anticipated finals, the Trojans accelerated the pace from ball one, and led the scoring in all four periods of the game, besting every performance they had registered at the beginning of the league.

Showing composure, style and class, they managed to restrict the in-form Terrence Daniels, upon whom great pressure was applied, and forced the other players to become desperate.

Scoring for the Trojans were Jonathan Browne, who top-scored with 18 points; Kadeem Peterkin, who scored 17; and Darrol Williams, who scored 15.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Trojan fans could scarce contain themselves.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, coach of the University side, Warren Wilson, said: “I feel vindicated; because the odds weren’t against the players, but a lot of the coaches felt that since I had no experience playing basketball at a national level, and the fact that I am young…but I am happy that I was able to lead the guys this far.“I really worked hard with them, and I think that this is a really good first step; and I hope that the administration would push basketball to get it more recognised,” Wilson declared.

For the under 23 division the UG Trojans came into the competition being ranked as one of the lowest teams and most inexperienced teams as they were coached by Warren Wilson.

Wilson was ridiculed by many coaches as he had no experience nationally nor coaching a team.

Throughout the tournament the Trojans played their hearts out defeating some of the top teams in the league such as the Plaisance Guardians and the Pacesetters. As the preliminary rounds ended the Trojans qualified for the tournament as they ranked third on the table winning six of their ten games. They surpassed the mighty Pacesetters to give them self a shot in the finals against the inform Plaisance Guardians and they defeated the Guardians to boost their confidence heading into next year’s league.

1st Division- Ravens vs Pacesetters The GABA League culminated its First Division leg of the tournament on Thursday night with the Ravens sinking the Pacesetters by eight points to claim the championship. Ravens looked confident on the court with a good season’s performance in the bag, having won seven of their eight games in the preliminary stages compared to the Pacesetters’ winning six games;

and they expectedly closed it out in the final-four showdown by romping to a convincing 83-75 win over their opposition at the final buzzer.

The match was a see-saw battle in the opening quarter, with scores being level at 19 going into the second quarter. Both teams looked for consistent scoring to try taking the lead, but the eventual victors got acclimatized and thereafter asserted their dominance. At the half, Ravens were leading 42-31. It was more of the same in the third quarter, with Ravens comfortably outscoring the Pacesetters 25-14, which saw the final quarter starting at 67- 45.

Sensing victory in the air, Ravens eased off the gas pedal and held their form to complete the win.

For the Ravens the tournament has been a walk in the park as they have always been on top of the points table and were declared as one of the strongest teams in the league winning seven of their eight games in the preliminary round. The Ravens showed a class above every other team in the league as they could neither

be outmatched nor out classed. The Ravens will now have to look forward to the 2019 season as it has been rumored that fierce competition has are awaiting them.

2nd Division Guardians vs Pacesetters The Guardians pulled off a stunner as they narrowly escaped defeat winning by a margin of two points.

In the headline event for the night the Guardians narrowly escaped defeat as they won 67-65 against the Pacesetters, despite the Guardians winning all eight of their games in the preliminary stages as compared to the Pacesetters five games the Guardians somehow allowed nerves to sneak into their camp. The match commenced with a shaky start as the Guardians led the first quarter 8-6 as both teams played on the defensive trying to weigh each other down with every tactics in the book. As the nerves began to ease the Guardians took command in the second quarter leading 21-18 as they now led the Pacesetters by a margin of five points.

With what looked like victory on the horizon the Pacesetters stunned the Guardians as they left gaps in their defense to allow them to take the lead in the third quarter 23-10 now giving them the upper hand and a lead of 8 points as the Pacesetters needed to defend those 8 points for victory with the fourth quarter now approaching.

The Pacesetters looked confident heading into the fourth quarter with their eight point lead but it all went up in flames as the Guardians pulled the rug out from beneath them as they took the final round 27-18 top scrape one of the most thrilling matchups in the GABA league as it all came down to the wire.

For this intense matchup despite clean sweeping the preliminary rounds the Guardians still had to fight for their title as the Pacesetters did not indent to give up so easily. Despite being a thriller, the Guardians must now review their 2019 calendar as they will not want any more incidents like these occurring again.

When compared to many other leagues the GABA league is one that will stay forever as it creates opportunities for player to represent the country nationally. It caters for everyone hence the first, second and under 23 divisions.

For the Trojans, Ravens and Guardians they have all proven that once there is heart and determination you can achieve anything you believe once hard work is done.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

SPORT YEAR IN REVIEW 53

Caribbean Premier League 2018 review

Guyana Amazon Warriors

By Brandon Corlette

A

tournament that is known for cricket played louder, and the biggest party in sport, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has been spectacularly entertaining.

Trinbago Knight Riders won consecutive tournaments; 2017 and 2018 while Amazon Warriors continued their consistency, ending as runners up in four of six CPL finales.

The 2018 CPL in particular, had Trinidadian and Guyanese fans at combat; ‘a chicken curry and curry chicken’ battle that saw the Amazon Warriors defeating Knight Riders in the preliminary round but lost in the final.

In the 2018 edition, the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders topped the preliminary rounds; after 10 matches, Knight Riders finished with seven victories while Amazon Warriors finished with six victories.

Outstanding CPL 2018 performers New Zealand T20 superstar Colin Munro led his team to victory, being the most consistent batsman with 567 runs in 13 matches averaging 51.54. Munro had a strike rate of 140.34 where he constructed six half-centuries, hitting 54 fours and 24 sixes throughout the tournament.

Another overseas batsman, New Zealand’s Glenn Philips playing for Jamaica Tallawahs dominated with the bat finishing second on the charts with 457 runs including a sensational century against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. However, the best Caribbean batsman in the Hero CPL 2018 was Guyana’s Shimron Hetmyer who notched up 440 runs averaging at 40. Hetmyer who is amongst the brightest prospects in the Caribbean has passed through the ranks, captaining the West Indies under 19 team to World Cup triumph.

Hetmyer stand-out innings was his majestic 100 against the Jamaica Tallawahs. The 21-year old, Hetmyer was the youngest centurion in CPL history when he

blasted the Ta l l a w a h s bowlers around t h e

. Shimron Hetmyer

packed capacity in Lauderhill, Florida. Hetmyer, who is very aggressive in his stroke play hit 24 sixes in 12 matches he played in the tournament finishing with a strike rate of 148.

The majestic player took his success throughout the year and also land an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract worth over half of a million US dollars, to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Hetmyer along with fellow countrymen and Warriors players, Sherfane Rutherford and Keemo Paul, have all been selected for IPL 2019.

The axed West Indian class act, Trinidadian Darren Bravo was the other top Caribbean batsman completing the tournament with 353 runs in 13 matches at an average of 39 striking 24 maximums in the tournament.

Kieron Pollard who scored an unforgettable century and new and improved Rovman Powell had good outings in the CPL 2018, scoring over 300 runs.

A tournament that began in 2013, the CPL has been growing rapidly across the globe, it has developed immensely.

For Fawad Ahmed, CPL has aided in his growth and development finishing with 22 wickets, topping the bowling charts. The Pakistan

born Ahmed, who played 5 limited over internationals cricket for Australia, announced himself with his stint with the Trinbago Knight Riders.

The leg-spinner played 13 matches for the Knight Riders, averaged 13.77 bowling at an economy rate of 6.18.

As Ahmed, Jamaican speedster, Oshane Thomas announced himself with finesse finishing the tournament with 18 wickets. The Tallawahs pace ace had the speed gun clocking staggering speeds as he showed glimpses of the four horsemen.

Imran Tahir, the veteran South African leg spinner, was brilliant throughout the tournament not only with his celebration where cover yards of ground, but his 16 wickets he picked up for the Warriors. Amazon Warriors captain, Chris Greene was brilliant in his debut tournament with the ball, picking up 10 wickets. Aussie star, Ben Cutting, Dwayne Bravo, Mohammad Irfan, Sohail Tanvir, Khary Pierre and Sheldon Cottrell were amongst the wickets in CPL 2018.

Magical CPL Moments Each match played in the CPL 208 was filled with magical moments. In the Caribbean Premier League 2018, 34 monumental matches were played but they were moments that stood out.

Andre Russell’s hat trick and his 40 ball century against the Trinbago Knight Riders in the third match of the tournament.

Russell’s heroics ensured that his team chased down 224 with 4 wickets to spare and 3 balls remaining. The Knight Riders batting first set a daunting 2236 in their 20 overs but they were more runs for the taking. Russell, the superman in cricket, returned

with the ball in the latter aspect of the agme and picked a hat trick that included Brendon McCullum, Darren Bravo and Denish Ramdin.

Russell’s night was far from over, he returned with the bat and blasted 121* off 49 balls including 13 humongous sixes and 6 timely fours. It was a once in a generation performance by “Dre Russ” a rear feat of scoring a century and picking up a hat trick in the same match; England’s Joe Denly was the other player to achieve such rear feat.

Keiron Pollard’s explosive century against his former CPL team, Barbados Tridents. It was a runs fest in the tenth match at St Lucia where the Pollard led St Lucia Stars amassed 226.

It was a memorable moment for the St Lucians since they were struggling to win matches consistently. Pollard’s maiden ton led the Stars to a 38 run victory.

In the eleventh match of the tournament, the moment filled with magic was Shimron Hetmyer’s 100 off 49 balls.

American soil witnessed astonishing hits from the 21year old Guyanese who resides in Berbice. The Amazon Warriors dominated the experienced Tallawahs bowling attack posting 209-7 in 20 overs. Hetmyer’s innings included 11 crunching fours and 5 huge sixes.

Rutherford set the home of the Amazon Warriors, the Providence National Stadium, on fire, with his 45* that included six maximums and an unbelievable switch hit which is labeled as the better shots in T20 cricket.

In match number 30, Rutherford ensured that the Warriors crushed the Knight Riders by six

The electrifying supporters

wickets with 35 wickets.

The limited over game of cricket has been dominated by batsmen with big bats, Mohammad Irfan mesmerizing spell proved different. Irfan had batsmen in all sorts of trouble when he produced the most economical four over spell in the history of T20 cricket. Two wickets, one maiden, three runs, four overs; unreal bowling figures from the Pakistan giant who represented the Barbados Tridents in CPL 2018. In the sixteenth match Irfan’s spell proved insufficient as Barbados Tridents suffered a 6 wicket win

by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Impact of CPL When CPL comes around, the people in the Caribbean comes alive. With West Indies cricket downhill, the Caribbean Premier League 2018 reminds cricket fans of the exciting prospects in the region. The spicy music, the drinks, and the beaches blends brilliantly with the exiting brand of cricket played in the Caribbean.

The tournament brings individuals around the Caribbean together, celebrating the game in a harmonious manner.

Since all the West Indian stars are axed, the CPL provides viewers the opportunity to see the best players from the Caribbean and around the globe perform in different teams. The Caribbean has been the ultimate destination for tourists, with international starts performing the tourist sectors in various Caribbean countries benefits from the biggest part in sport, the Caribbean Premier League.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

UDFA/GT Beer Football Championship…

Eagles edge out arch-rivals Net Rockers to secure top honours I

t was a fitting finale and one that confirmed Eagles United of Christianburg as the top Linden club as they turned back Net Rockers by a 2-1 scoreline to add the Upper Demerara F o o t b a l l Association’s GT Beer football championship to

year-ending championship New Year’s night at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground.

Urged on by a strong Christianburg following, the Eagles United landed their first year-end championship since copping the Kashif a n d Shanghai title in

Colwyn Drakes and Deon Charter were the goal scorers in the final game

their UDFA league title for 2018 as a huge crowd witnessed the final of the

1991/92 as the eventual final’s Most Valuable

Eagles United celebrate their championship

Player Colwyn Drakes carted off the motorcycle prize after taking them to their first GT Beer crown in six tries.

The win gave them G$1.2 million as opposed to the G$600,000 won by Net Rockers, and laid to rest speculation about who was the club to beat in the region.

Both clubs had played unbeaten in the GTT League championship and drew their game against each other. This then set the stage for a deciding final’s game and Eagles prevailed in over-

time.

They were led by defender Benny Neblett and with the decision taken to have the experienced midfield player Clive DeNobrega appear on the pitch despite some concerns about an injury, the Eagles United showed their eagerness to win the game. Both sides battled valiantly, but were unable to score in regulation play.

It took extra time after a 0-0 deadlock to separate the two clubs, and Drakes started the process when he was there to pounce on a chance

as Net Rockers defenders were caught napping and Drakes latched in to slap home a crisp drive for a 1-0 advantage in the 103rd minute. Then Drakes in tandem with the busy Deon Charter put the Christianburg unit up 2-0 as he slipped a pass to Charter who finished the play in the 116th minute.

And as time seemed to be against them, Net Rockers fought back and were rewarded two minutes later.

Deshawn Joseph would cannon a free kick outside the box and it cut the lead to 2-1,

but time would not allow them a chance to level and when the final whistle came Eagles United were holding the championship trophy donated by Trophy Stall.

In the third-place playoff game for G$400,000, Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection won 2-1 against the defending champions Botofago in overtime. The scores were level after regulation play with Shaquille France and Stanford Bovell scoring for the Winners Connection in the 4th and 65th minutes of play which the Haynes brothers Shane and Jamal netted in the 47th and 54th minutes of play respectively. Botofago had to settle for fourth place and a prize of G$200,000.

The winning goal would then be scored

by Cedric Hunte in the 106th minute of play and the final score was 2-1 for Winners Connection.

The presentation will be done by the main sponsors Banks DIH Limited at a date to be announced, according to the UDFA.

Jaguars, Pride lock horns in Friday’s top-of-table clash

Raymon Reifer

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Guyana Jaguars departed Guyana on

Wednesday, January 2, 2019 for their third-round clash against the Barbados Pride. In the much-anticipated encounter, between arguably the best two teams in the Region, the Kensington Oval will come alive on Friday, January 4, 2019.

The Guyana Jaguars registered two resounding victories in the first two rounds: a nine-wicket win against the Leeward Hurricanes and a 125-run win against the Windward Volcanoes.

Meanwhile, the Barbados Pride registered a dramatic 41-run win against Jamaica Scorpions and lost to Leeward Hurricanes by 34 runs.

The dynamics of both teams are set to change, with West Indies players returning for the third-

round clash. Guyana Jaguars have welcomed Windies trio Sherfane Rutherford, Raymon Reifer and Chanderpaul Hemraj. Barbados Pride look a formidable unit heading into the third round, as West Indies highest-ranked ODI batsman and Test player, Shai Hope will return.

Other notable players that may feature in the formidable Pride unit are Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite, T20 International skipper Carlos Brathwaite, Roston Chase, and fast bowler Kemar Roach.

Barbados Pride’s first win of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four-Day Tournament saw Test spinner Jomel Warrican snaring 12 wickets in a match-winning performance. Pride batsmen will be looking to redeem themselves against the dominant Guyana Jaguars unit.

Pride had scores of 167 and 187 in their victory against the Jamaica Scorpions.

Jonathan Carter, who has been the most promising Pride batsman this season with 142 runs, will be seeking to capitalise after scoring two half-centuries in as many matches.

Miguel Cummings

Roston Chase

is the leading fast bowler after the first two rounds of the Regional Four-Day Tournament with nine wickets and his best bowling figures being 4-19. The Barbados Pride newcomer, Hayden Walsh has also showed promise picking up a five-wicket haul in the first round.

The Barbados team that showed holes in their batting will be mended by the likes of Hope and Kraigg Brathwaite, while Kemar Roach will complete the strong bowling opposition.

The Guyana Jaguars will not be intimidated by this opposition; the

team coached by Esuan Crandon will be seeking to extend their dominance in Regional FourDay cricket. On the Kensington pitch that is bound to support fast bowlers and offer little support to spinners, the Jaguars outfit is wellequipped with the necessary variety to extend their unbeaten run.

The Jaguars may be forced to change their winning combination from the second round.

A team that consist of numerous all-rounders may force a seasoned player to relinquish his place in the starting XI for a Windies player.

This third round will be of great importance to all the players in the various teams, with the England Test series sharply approaching.

The Test squad that had a miserable season overseas in 2018 may see new players gain selection for the England Test series. In addition to the Test series against England, a President’s XI team will be selected to play the Englishmen in the warm-up match scheduled for January 18, 2019. The Barbados Pride versus Guyana Jaguars match is scheduled for a 10:00h start, Eastern Caribbean time.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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